Wonders of the Central Coast: Santa Cruz Mission

“This is a story of Spanish Colonial California”

… all on display for the public at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.

“We tell it from the perspective of the Indian people– the Ohlone people and the Yokuts people who lived through it,” explained Julie Sidel, Interpreter 1 for state parks.

The mission was founded in 1971 by Catholic priests of the Franciscan order and is one of 21 missions established in the state.

“They wanted to convert people,” said Sidel. “That meant convert them to Christianity, to the Catholic religion and also to convert them to the Spanish culture, to become eventually Spanish, tax-paying citizenry.”

Much has changed at the mission since its founding but one of the original buildings remains.

“This is the oldest building in Santa Cruz County and it’s the only building from the Santa Cruz Mission that’s original, that still exists.”

It is also the only building in the state that housed native converts.

“There’s only seven rooms left of this adobe and within them we have exhibits that tell the story of daily life in the mission.”

The exhibits take you through time, starting at the establishment of the mission and ending in the 1980s, when the adobe’s last resident still called it home– not to mention all the incredible history in between.

The state historic park also has living history demonstrations and has an open plaza garden with other artifacts, towering redwoods and a stunning view of downtown Santa Cruz.

“This is an untapped treasure; this is the unknown wonder. This is the hidden jewel of the Central coast and you should come and visit,” said Sidel.

One of the best things about the mission here is its accessibility. Not only is it right on the edge of downtown Santa Cruz, but admission is free.

For more info, check out the park’s website here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=548