San Juan Historical Society Programs

Photo Preservation Program

Preserving the pictorial history of San Juan Capistrano and the area around it is the purpose of the Photo Preservation Program. The Historical Society has over 6,000 photos in its archives and continues to receive pictures from the local citizens. These photos are copied so that the Society has a negative of the photo, and then is mounted either on large 11 x 14 mats and placed in bins or are mounted and placed in albums. The photos are placed in archival material for handling and mats and the corners used in the albums are all archival material. This way photos can be handled without causing damage. Many students, newspapers, and researchers use these photos for their work.

Copies of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society's photograph collection are available for purchase by contacting the Society at 949-493-8444. Panorama photos are also available (8 inches by 36 inches) by special order. Prices on all photos vary by size.

Archive Program

In the early 1990s the Society began its Archive Program. The archives include the more than 6,000 plus photo collection, library, genealogical records, oral histories, artifacts and general files. The archives are located at the museum and are available to researchers, media and students. The Historical Society is always interested in acquiring contributions of photos and other items of unique history from San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area for preservation. Funds for the support of preserving contributions are always greatly appreciated.

Los Rios Historic Center Project

A few years ago the Society aquired the property adjacent to the O'Neill Musium which included the Silvas Adobe and a board and batten house. The Society also obtained the historic Arley Leck House that was threatened to be torn down. The city permitted this structure to be moved to the back side of the property, behind the Silvas Adobe. The Lyon Company donated the Leck House, Moved it and completely rehabilitated it. We are now designing the landscape plan and a report on how the other two structures will be rehabilitated as they are both in serious deteriorated states. Funds are being raised and when the whole project is completed the Society will have created what will be known as the Los Rios Historical Center. These homes will become Museums for historic depictions, archival resources, gallery, and special events. Contributions for this program would be most appreciated.

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