Join us Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. for a presentation and tour highlighting the Del Valle and Rubel collections’ new archiving system at the Rancho Camulos Museum Marie Wren Library and Archives.

Using the CatalogIt collections management system, the new and fully searchable digital archive is made possible with funding from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution-Alliklik Chapter. The goal of the grant award is to make this valuable collection more accessible to the public.

Local DAR member Susanna Clark will present the new system and highlight examples from the extensive collection. The collection offers a snapshot of life at a busy and prosperous Southern California rancho from the mid-1800s through the 1950s under the ownership of both the Ygnacio del Valle and August Rubel families. Examples from the collection include personal family papers, maps, photographs, agricultural records, farm labor records, winery and citrus labels, 19th-century religious music and vestments, christening gowns, and other 19th-century clothing.

Following the 1 p.m. presentation, visitors will be able to tour the library and archives to view some of the special items in the collection. Refreshments will be served on the patio. The event is free to the public. Reservations are recommended for planning purposes. To make reservations, call (805) 521-1501 or send email to info@ranchocamulos.org. For directions, visit our website at RanchoCamulos.org.