The History Behind House of Peru
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Several years ago, Gladys Novinger was San Diego's Honorary Consul, a Board member at the Museum of the Man (now known as Museum of Us) and a docent at the San Diego Museum of Art at Balboa Park. As she became familiar with the Park and its activities, she was chagrined to discover that Peru was not yet part of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in the Park and she and like-minded Peruvians set out to do something about it.
They soon founded the House of Peru as a 501(c)3 Charitable Non-Profit Organization in June 12, 2003 and on March 27, 2004 it was officially accepted as a member of the House of Pacific Relations (HPR). Since then, House of Peru has been active and an integral part of HPR as part of its 33 member cultures and nations that share their unique characteristics with San Diego and the millions of visitors who come back to the Park each year. In 2015, with House of Peru leading the way as the HPR worked through the City of San Diego's many required bureaucratic steps and approvals, we received authorization to build nine new international cottages in the Park. On July 31, 2021, our dream had become a reality. We opened our doors at House of Peru to the public in the international cottages of Balboa Park. We have been looking forward to opening our cottage, strengthening our physical presence in the Park as we provide information about Peruvian culture, tourism, arts, music and commerce, sharing our millennial heritage with those who visit our cottage as a central meeting for Peruvians living in and visiting San Diego. |
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
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Honoring Gladys & George NovingerUnfortunately, House of Peru lost its Founder and President, Gladys Novinger and her husband George, past President and Board member. They passed away in a tragic accident on late September 2017 in Hawai'i.
Both Gladys and George were the heart and soul of this organization, they worked tirelessly throughout many years to share the Peruvian culture and finalize the plans to build a new cottage. The Board of Directors of House of Peru is committed more than ever to continue the legacy of cultural & community work shared by Gladys & George with all of the members at House of Peru. They touched the lives of many people in the San Diego area. They planted the seed of love for their community and volunteering at the highest level with a touch of humanity in so many ways. Their legacy will continue. |
Gladys & George Novinger breaking ground at House of Peru
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Peruvian American Heritage DayAs the representative organization of the Peruvian Community in San Diego, in May of 2023, we embarked on the formal recognition process for July 28th, the day of the celebrated Peruvian Independence, to be designated as a special day in the city of San Diego. Through dedicated efforts and careful navigation of the required procedures, our primary objective was successfully realized—the official proclamation of July 28th as the PERUVIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY in San Diego. This significant accomplishment received formal endorsement from the city's Mayor Todd Gloria, marking an extraordinary milestone not only for our organization, a proud member of the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park but also for the broader Peruvian community.
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MissionTo promote and celebrate Peruvian culture with the community at large.
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VisionFoster a safe environment where Peruvian culture and traditions are kept alive.
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ProjectHouse of Peru is a non profit organization 501(c)3. We are part of a group of other 33 houses located in beautiful Balboa Park and registered under "The House of Pacific Relations" established in the city of San Diego in 1935.
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CommitteesHouse of Peru formed several committees to help in its mission to raise awareness of the Peruvian culture and tourism to Peru.
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