We are...

A member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, Inc. (“HPR”), a consortium of non-profit, 501(c)3, ‘houses’ representing 32 cultures promoting multicultural goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programs.  To accomplish this goal, the House of USA participates, including but not limited to, HPR cultural events annually in Ethnic Food Fair (EFF), Lawn Program, and International Christmas Festival (ICF) or commonly known as Christmas Nights. We showcase our music, culture, and history, providing an inviting environment for our many visitors.

Our desired goal is to work together in the spirit of goodwill, unity, and harmony as well as bringing family and friends together.  Additionally, we observe special events such as Flag Day, U.S. Constitution Day, and Veterans Day to educate youths and the public at large in a professional, interesting, and informative manner.  Docents will welcome you and answer your questions.

ASK

ASK

About the USA Cottage

The House of USA Cottage was opened in 1935 when the California Pacific International Exposition was held in Balboa Park. The USA Cottage is one of the original 15 cottages representing 15 original House Members. Presently, there are 30 Member Houses having their own cottage in the HPR International Cottages section of Balboa Park.

We are open every Saturday and Sunday, except Balboa Park designated holidays, from 11am to 4pm. Refreshments are served and donations are appreciated.

ByLaws and Standing Rules

Board of Directors

Cottage Hosting

About Membership

For those interested in becoming a member of The House of USA, an application is filled out (by clicking the button below) and sent to: president@HouseOfUSA.org. Annual dues for regular members are $15 per person (1st person) and $5 per additional family member of the same household. There are different types of membership, such as supporting and honorary membership, and dues are determined by the House of USA Board. If you are interested in these types of the House of USA membership, please inquire.

The House of USA holds monthly membership meetings on the second Sunday of each month and we encourage you to attend. Any members of all other Houses are also welcome to join as members of the House of USA if you want to learn more about the USA, its culture, history, and civics.

Membership Application


Donate

International Christmas Festival ("ICF):  Also known as December Nights are normally held on the first Friday and Saturday in the month of December.  Hours are from 3:00pm to 11pm on Friday and 12:00pm to 11pm on Saturday.  House of USA will feature American traditional foods either in a separate booth or cottage, spirits in the Spirit Garden, and/or entertainment on the stage.  Limited parking permits will be provided only for volunteers and performers participating in the event.

USA Queen & Princess(es):  The purpose of the USA Queen & Princess(es) (ages between 9 and 18) is to represent the House of USA as responsible members; to promote a close relationship with the young people and adult members of the House of USA and the HPR Member Houses; to learn, promote, and represent culture, customs, background, tradition and history of the USA.  The Queen and Princess(es) are also a part of the HPR Queens Organization.  USA Queen and Princess(es) could also accumulate their "volunteer" or "community service" hours in all participating activities as members of the House of USA/HPR.  The USA Queen and Princess(es) membership must be accompanied by their parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s).

Lawn Program:  The event normally takes place on Sunday near the Fourth of July for the House of USA.  Along with American traditional music/dance and/or entertainment of all American genres on the HPR International Cottages Stage, the House of USA will feature delectable American cuisine chosen from one or more of the U.S. 50 states.  Open parking to all visitors and volunteers.

Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon:  House of USA participates in this event as a host as volunteers and resources are available.  The luncheon is normally held on the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 2pm.  Entrance charge is $5 per person and all HPR/House members and their guests are invited to attend.  Open parking.

"For more specific info, contact Brigitte Gilmore at 858-487-8402 or brigittebobgilmore@yahoo.com". Brigitte is the president of the Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon

Ethnic Food Festival:  This event is typically held on the last Sunday of May.  House of USA features typical/traditional American foods, chosen from one or more of the U.S. 50 states, music/dance  and/or entertainment of American genres on the HPR International Cottages Stage.  Limited parking permits will be provided only for volunteers and performers participating in the event.

Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who have died in the course of carrying out their duties. It was observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970, and since on the last Monday of May.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States.

Many cities and people have claimed to have first celebrated the event. In 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a "Decoration Day", which was widely celebrated. By 1890, every Northern state had adopted it as a holiday. The World Wars turned it into a generalized day of remembrance, instead of just for the Civil War. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as "Memorial Day" and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.

Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day (which is earlier in May), an unofficial U.S. holiday for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day (on November 11), which honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The House of USA observes this day on Saturday or Sunday nearest September 17th and partners with the San Diego Chapter of SAR for the Constitution Day program.  The program primarily consists of presentations of the Colors (of Besty Ross  and the present day flags) by the Color Guards of SAR in First Continental Army uniform, guest speaker, display of educational materials and video, and Q&As for the public at large.

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans, who are people who have served in the United States Armed Forces (that were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable). It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries.

Board Members

  President:  Inki Welch, president@houseofusa.org
!st Vice President:  Sunny VanCleave, f1stvp@houseofusa.org
2nd Vice President:  Myra Vallafana, 2ndvp@houseofusa.org
Secretary:  Kriste Hill-Cummings, secretary@houseofusa.org
Treasurer:  Joachim Wolff, treasurer@houseofusa.org
Assist. Treasurer:  Joseph Suga, assttreasurer@houseofusa.org
Delegates:  Inki Welch, Kristie Hill-Cummings
Alt. Delegates:  Neal Meyers, Tawn Nguyen, Mike Salazar, Christine Valencia, Sunny Van Cleave, Todd Welch, Arya Zeighamnia

Family Fun Day:  This program falls on Saturday or Sunday near Halloween Day.  The USA Cottage is decorated with Autumn/Harvest themes and provides educational games,  prizes, and treats to children and adults alike.  This program is to bring family and friends together for fun and celebrate the Autumn and American traditions.  Also, Resident Docent(s) presents how Halloween originated.  Baked goods and refreshments are also provided to visitors.

Flag Day is officially established by President Wilson and celebrated on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”  Flag Day is observed by the House of USA either on Saturday or Sunday close to June 14th.  This program is brought to the public in partnership with the San Diego Chapter of the Sons of American Revolution.  The USA cottage also has a display of the evolution of the USA flag from 1777 to present.