SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – Discovery Science Center and Mission San Juan Capistrano have partnered to bring the “Adventure of Archaeology” a little closer to home for Southern California residents and visitors. The Science Center’s upcoming exhibit “Indiana Jones™ and the Adventures of Archaeology” will feature authentic artifacts from Orange County’s own archeological treasure, Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra as part of the Catholic Church’s early efforts to convert Native Americans in the area. In its 236 years of existence, the Mission has served as church, private residence, school, and museum, and helped define an integral part of California’s founding history.
Today the Mission is the oldest operating church in California and Mass is still held daily in the world renowned Serra Chapel just as it had in Father Serra’s time. The Mission is also the site of the ruins of the Great Stone Church, sometimes called the American Acropolis. This once massive edifice featured seven domes and its own bell tower, but was destroyed in an 1812 earthquake that killed 40 worshippers.
In the mid-20th century, Mission San Juan Capistrano began to carry out archaeological excavations as part of its investigative research. Many more excavations have been needed over the years as the Mission has undertaken preservation efforts and performed building maintenance, and several key discoveries have been made including the original building foundations, ceramics, animal bones, stone implements, weapons, tools, original ovens, underground walls, and a crypt.
To help increase the public’s knowledge of archaeological sciences, Mission San Juan Capistrano is lending some of its new and exciting finds to Discovery Science Center’s upcoming exhibit. Visitors to Discovery Science Center can expect to see a statue of St. Francis dating from the late 1700s, a silver ciborium (see-bawr-ee-um | a religious vessel for holding sacramental bread), limestone blocks from the Great Stone Church, ceramic and glass bottle shards dating from the 1850s, and a 19th Century horse bit.
These artifacts insightfully represent the historical significance of the religious, architectural, and every-day existence of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s varied history, and are sure to capture the imagination of any aspiring Indiana Jones.
About Mission San Juan Capistrano:
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits on a wide variety of topics.
The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in the 18th century including the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing.
The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the twentyone California missions established by Spain, and is Orange County’s only mission. Every year, over 50,000 students visit the Mission and engage in an inspirational learning experience via the Mission Matters programming, as part of their State required California history studies.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and is supported by the Mission Preservation Foundation, which is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring the long term preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding from either the Church or the State of California and charges admission funds as a means of providing public access. Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors (60 years or over); $6 children (ages 4 to 11); and children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Free audio guide with senior and adult admission. For more information, call (949) 234-1300 or visit www.missionsjc.com.
About Discovery Science Center:
Imaginations run wild with over 120 hands-on exhibits at Discovery Science Center (DSC), Orange County’s leading destination for hands-on science entertainment. Take the Eco Challenge and become a green superhero, feel the power of a real rocket engine launch and explore the inner workings of a two- story tall dinosaur! Plus, the Science Center’s signature events don’t just foster science education, but also provide entertainment for the whole family. From our annual Bubblefest and Rocket Launch to blockbuster traveling exhibits such as Star Wars™: Where Science Meets Imagination, there is always something new to experience. DSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. It is a community-wide resource where families come together to learn and have fun and school districts can use as an educational resource. For further information, visit www.discoverycube.org or call (714) 542-2823.
Joe Haakenson
JUVE Creative, Inc.
