San Pablo Historical and Museum Society

07/03/2026

As we celebrate the settlement of the American continent by the Europeans we remember those that were already here and the destruction it brought to their way of life.

07/18/2024

You'll find our new page here: https://www.facebook.com/SanPabloHistoricalMuseums

Stop by and see what's new. ~History Rox

The San Pablo Historical and Museum Society (SPH&MS) manages two fully furnished historic homes as museums: the Alvarado Adobe & Blume House. We are regularly open on the first Saturday of the month from 11am to 3pm.

06/30/2024

1776: The Second Anza Expedition reached their destination at what would become the City of San Francisco, having started from the Presidio of Tubac on 23 Oct 1775.

29 Jun 1776: La Misión de Nuestro Padre San Francisco de Asís (Mission San Francisco de Asís, also known as Mission Dolores) was founded. Father Francisco Palou claimed the site in June 1776 and held an official dedication ceremony on October 9, 1776. The Mission was named for Saint Francis of Assisi and was the 6th Mission founded at that time. The Mission was built on the foggy San Francisco Peninsula where the weather was often cold and damp. One important factor in locating a mission was being near a Native American village. Mission Dolores was built on the site of the Chumash’s Chutchui village. Construction of the adobe church began in the spring of 1782 by California Indians, and was overseen by Padre Benito Cambon who was under direction of Padre Junípero Serra. The mission complex is popularly referred to as Mission Dolores after a nearby stream, Arroyo de Nuestra Señora de Dolores (“Creek of Our Lady of Sorrows”). Its dedication took place on August 2, 1791, nine years after construction began.

This was the beginning of how the Rancho period would start in Alta California (Contra Costa County) with many soldados del presidio (soldiers of the presidio), like the Castro men and others, being granted land for military services rendered; Don Francisco María Castro was granted Rancho de los Cuchiyunes in 1823, Ygnacio Martínez Rancho el Pinole in 1823 and Juan José and Victor Castro granted Rancho El Sobrante in 1841.

Photo: Anza overlooks the Golden Gate for the first time. He realizes that he had found something more precious than gold; a large and safe harbor for Spanish ships. This amazing harbor was first discovered by Spanish seamen in 1769. Art from Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

06/08/2024

Some of our volunteers weeded and raked our rose gardens in front of the Blume House. We have notes indicating these were all roses that date back to the early 1900s but no names of the roses. Is there anyway to find out?

05/25/2024

11/26/2022

There is a new FB Page that will replace this one. Please visit and like our New Page! https://www.facebook.com/SanPabloHistoricalMuseums

The San Pablo Historical and Museum Society (SPH&MS) manages two fully furnished historic homes as museums: the Alvarado Adobe & Blume House. We are regularly open on the first Saturday of the month from 11am to 3pm.

11/04/2022

💥REMINDER💥
San Pablo's Historic Museums are open on the first Saturday of the month. The museums will be open this Saturday, November 5th from 11AM to 3PM. Stop by and discover the history of San Pablo and take a L👀K around. Come see what it was like to live in the 1900s! Plus, many more exhibits on our history.

Museum tours can also be arranged by appointment for individuals, families and groups by emailing: [email protected] or calling (510) 255-7488.

The San Pablo Historical & Museum Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 94-2655108) volunteer-based organization. To become a member and help preserve San Pablo's History, request a Membership Application by emailing: [email protected]

The Historical Society always welcomes Volunteers; no prior museum experience is necessary.

Janet Pottier, President & Program Director
Roxy Miraválle, Director of Historical Research
San Pablo Historical & Museum Society
13873 San Pablo Avenue
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 255-7488
Website: https://sites.google.com/sanpablohistoricalsociety.com/museums/

To make a donation to the San Pablo Historical Society, you may do so securely via Paypal. Your donation helps in our efforts to collect, preserve and display our historical artifacts in order to tell their stories to inspire future generations and to keep the history of San Pablo alive. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!

Donate: http://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=TMWG3F58DU57L