Grossmont High School Museum - Honoring the Past
In June 2007, Lynn and I began a journey into the history of GHS. October 2008, we opened the first GHS Museum in the old book room storage room in the Math Building.
14 years later in October 2021, we opened the second, much larger, museum in the 1950 Girls PE Rec Room.
Then, for two years, from June 2022-January 2024, the museum was closed and all of its contents placed in storage. In January, we gained access to our new space and began creating our current displays. 5 months later, on May 14, 2024, we reopened in our new, but smaller, space.
Thanks to our wonderful volunteers over the years, we have been able to recreate most of our displays: recently Class of 1970 Jerry Botts, Class of 1975 sister Yvonne Baer Vellone, her husband Dave Vellone, and son Matt Vellone; Nephew Kyle Baer and wife Kijan, and then previously, Bill Woolman, Class of 1962, and Paul Miller, Class of 1966. We couldn’t have done it without each of you!
A special thank you to GHS Principal Dan Barnes, Plant Manager Tom Fordham, Utility Day Person Eddie Ramos, and District Carpenter Tony Patton for their unending support, expertise, and guidance. Also, we thank the wonderful GUSHS maintenance department for their help in solving a myriad of problems for us.
We hope you visit us soon and share in our enthusiasm for the great love that students, staff, and community have for Grossmont High School.
These photos show the evolution of the GHS Museum.
Summer 2025 | GHS Museum Newsletter
As the summer is flying by, we wanted to share with you a few amazing 2025 museum moments...
Foothiller Rosie the Riveters?
During WWII, our maternal grandparents lived in San Diego. While both of them were raised on farms in Nebraska, during the Great Depression, they lost their farm and relocated west.
Please email us at
Museum Visitors
At 100, Jean is our oldest alumnus visitor, so far. Joy shared a timeless memory of Jean’s with us: “One day, she was eyeing Robert Shaw, Class of 1942, who was in the GHS band. So, Jean decided to learn to play the trombone and joined the band.
Class of 1955’s 70th Reunion
After their July 21st luncheon in El Cajon, three class members visited the museum with their families to relive and share their Foothiller memories, especially enjoying the displays, the El Recuerdos, the yearbooks, and the Foothiller Echoes, the student newspapers.
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
We continue to welcome your support of our efforts to preserve, display, and celebrate our Foothiller history.
Frank Zappa Research
In January we received an email from Steve Apple, who after visiting our website, wanted to visit in person: “I’m primarily interested in orchestra and/or band related photos, musical recordings and documentation from the Fall of 1954 through the summer of 1955.”
Museum Contact Info
Summer 2025 GHS Museum Weekend Hours
Saturdays from 10-1
(While scheduled on dates of class reunions, all are welcome)
July 19th (Classes of 1998-2002)
August 23rd (Class of 1970)
September 13th (Class of 1975)
OR beginning August 15th, Fridays by prior appointment when school is in session; email us or call to schedule an appointment.
You will need to check in at the front school office.
Email us or call to schedule an appointment.
Email:
Phone: 619-668-6140
We are located near the pool
on the east side of campus.
Freshman Kayden Padilla with his great great grandfather's trophy Bert Kohnhorst 1951-52 Track Runner
June 2025 Connie, wonderful district carpenter Tony Patton, and Lynn in front of the original doors
Museum Directors
Connie and Lynn Baer
(619)-668-6148
Alum/Museum Facebook
Foothiller Foundation
Click Map for Larger Image
Closest parking available off Dennstedt Place, near the tennis courts. Contact:
Thank You for Your Support
The Museum operates solely on donations, which are used to create the Museum displays, to preserve our memorabilia, and to celebrate Grossmont's history.
To make a tax-deductible financial donation, please use the DONATE button below. If you would like to sponsor a certain project, please email us at
You may also write a check, payable to the GHS Educational Foundation, and mail it to Connie and Lynn Baer, 5999 Avenorra Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942. In the check memo, please specify your sponsorship of a certain project or specify Museum General Fund.
2025 Museum Sponsorship Opportunities
2024 Memorabilia Donors
Kent Abbott, Class of 2018: Letterman’s Jacket with 2015 Valley, 2016 and 2018 Hills League Tennis Champions Patches and 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Tennis CIF Championship Patches, as well as Devils Pups Patch.
Family of Betty Eileen Anderson, Class of 1942, Son Scott Tillwell: 1941 Photograph of GHS taken from Fuerte Dr. by Her Parents; WWII Photo of Jack Durham, Class of 1943, Jack Durham’s Memoir of His Experiences in WWII, and Jack’s 1943 El Recuerdo Photograph
Quentin Decker, Retired GHS Teacher: Antique Royal Typewriter
Our Generous 2024 Donors
2024 Financial Donors
2024 New Museum: Jim Stieringer, Class of 1959; Sue Gillespie Larson, Class of 1965; Mardi Penny Musick, Class of 1966; Tom Bloomer, Class of 1967
2024 New Small Showcases: Dave McVie, Class of 1962; Deanna Brady Sampson, Class of 1965; The Shaieb Family: Betty Jo Shaieb, Class of 1952, Mark Shaieb Class of 1980, Dora and Dona Shaieb, Class of 1982; The Zumwalt Family: Barbara Zumwalt, Class of 1975; Jim Zumwalt, Class of 1974; Fran Zumwalt, Class of 1972 and Sue Sharpe, Class of 1954
