As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the term “Colonial America” often brings to mind the 13 colonies on the East Coast. Yet at the same time, California was also a colony—under Spanish rule—and plenty of history was unfolding here as well.Join us for an engaging presentation by Chris Jepsen, Orange County Historical Society…
In 2026 the United States of America will celebrate it’s 250th anniversary. Mission San Juan Capistrano—the birthplace of Orange County—will also mark its 250th anniversary. This historic milestone offers an incredible opportunity to celebrate, not only our country’s birth but also the rich cultural heritage, resilient spirit, and diverse community that define our city of…
We had a wonderful tour of the Garcia Adobe located on Camino Capistrano. Built in the 1840s by Manuel Garcia, a Portuguese merchant, this is the only surviving Monterey style adobe in Orange County. Owned by the Oyharzabal family since 1880, its uses have included: French Hotel, a general store and the town’s first American…
The 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair was held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. The Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebrates the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day, which is March, 19th. The Parade and Mercado Street Faire offer a full day of family fun,…
The 64th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair was held on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. The Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebrates the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day, which is March, 19th. The Parade and Mercado Street Faire offer a full day of family fun,…
The San Juan Capistrano Docent Society has a Native American basket-weaving workshop with Domingo Belardes, as the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum Foundation Curator. Domingo demonstrated how to make a basket and he helped us weave our own, unique baskets. The members enjoyed making a hands-on, historic piece of art. The group gathered at the Blas…
The 63rd Annual Swallow’s Day Parade & Mercado Street Faire takes place on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Swallows Day Parade: Begins promptly at 11a.m. to 1 p.m. “Swallows Day is back on schedule and celebrating a return to tradition with the 63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade. Our Grand Marshal for 2023 is Actor Dennis Quaid,…
The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission approved a proposal from the San Juan Capistrano Docent Society to help with National Historic Preservation Month recognition this coming May. Commissioners discussed the assistance on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Celebrations will be held in May in Downtown San Juan Capistrano on a to-be-determined Saturday date. The Docent Society offered to give…
Ione R. Stiegler, FAIA and the Principal Architect for IS Architecture will be speaking at the upcoming San Juan Capistrano Docent Society meeting on Thursday, April 21. Ms. Stiegler is a leading expert in historic adobe and earthen structures. Her studio specializes in applying the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic…