"Dedicated to preserving the landmark California Missions and associated historical and cultural resources for the benefit of the public..."
Mission San Gabriel Fire - July 2020
Early on Saturday morning, July 11 Mission San Gabriel caught fire. The roof was quite badly damaged as were the pews within the church. Six statues on the main altar: Saint Gabriel the Archangel, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Dominic Guzman, Saint Joaquin, and Our Lady suffered significant smoke and water damage. Thankfully, the unique Stations of the Cross, painted by Uriarte, a Native American artist from the 1800s, were saved, having been removed during recent renovations inside the church.
Mission San Gabriel was founded in 1771 by Father Junípero Serra. The current Mission has been standing since 1812 and has become known as the "Pride of the Missions". CMF Executive Director, David Bolton went to the Mission on July 13 to speak with officials and inspect the damage. Please click here to read more about the fire at Mission San Gabriel. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will be spearheading the rebuild of Mission San Gabriel. However, if you would like to donate to help preserve the mission, CMF has set up a fund to assist Mission San Gabriel in the rebuild.
California Missions Videos
Designed for you to enjoy during these times of limited contact and travel, please click the button below to view and share the videos. Video courtesy Cultural Global Media archives and music provided by our esteemed CMF member Dr. Craig Russell and vocal ensemble Chanticleer.
The Mission Story
From Missions to Presidios, from Asistencias to Ranchos to Pueblos, learn about this significant chapter in our history.
CMF Marks 22 Years of Service
As the 250 anniversary of the founding of Alta California draws closer, the California Mission Foundation celebrates its own twenty-year history anniversary and its work with the California Missions and Presidios. Click the link below to read about a few of the hundreds of projects completed at over 25 Missions, Presidios, and Asistenicias.
California Indians
Before, During, and After the Mission Era.
School Grants
The All Aboard the Bus applications for school field trip grants are open each year April 1 – September 30.
CMF Online Store
Place an Order! Your online destination made easy!
El Camino Real de las Californias
A Multi-National Effort to Seek an UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination.
California Missions Foundation
PO Box 23035
Santa Barbara, CA 93121
805.963.1633
info@californiamissionsfoundation.org