New Mission San Juan Capistrano Model
Debuts on Founder’s Day, Nov. 1, 2008
School Children Invited to Participate
in First-Ever Student Mission Model Display
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, October 20, 2008 – Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Docent Society is pleased to announce the debut of a new model of the historic Mission, created by professional model maker Jim Arbaugh. Arbaugh has devoted over 100 hours to the creation of the model, which depicts the Mission in the early 1800s. Mission docents will use the model to instruct visitors about the Mission’s history. The model is an improvement over the existing model, located along the Mission’s South Wing.
“Jim has done an outstanding job creating a beautiful model that will help our students and visitors better visualize the Mission in its early days,” remarked Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, the Mission’s Executive Director.
Arbaugh has worked professionally creating models for use by entertainment companies, and for commercials and movies. He noted, “It’s historic models like this mission that are the fun ones to make.”
The cost of the model was $5,000, paid for by the Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society.
The model will be officially unveiled on Founder’s Day, Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m., on the 232nd anniversary of the Mission’s founding. Founder’s Day also includes the reading of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s founding document; members of the Living History Society will wear period attire. The historic bells will be rung. Free birthday cupcakes and lemonade will be served. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive model steam train.
First-Ever Student Mission Model Display: School children are invited to share their own models of the Mission in a Mission model display. Mission model designs, both new and old, will be accepted. Students are invited to submit their application for the competition online at www.missionsjc.com on the Founder’s Day page. Prizes will be awarded.
Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Juan Capistrano on November 1, 1776. It is the 7th of the 21 missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans in the 18th and 19th century in California. For information: (949) 234-1317.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The Mission operations are funded by gate admissions – preservation work is funded by grants and fundraising efforts. To reach the Mission, take I-5 to the Ortega Highway exit to San Juan Capistrano. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children ages 3-11, and under 3 free. Price includes self-guided, digital audio tour for adults and seniors. Information: (949) 234-1300. Mission address: 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. Website: www.missionsjc.com.
