So Many Memories and Contributions, Yet So Little Recognition

The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee wishes to remember and honor the pre-Mission, Native American, early Californio, and very early European settlers who lovingly dedicated and sacrificed most of their lives to the building, survival, and care of our Old Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The Mission stands today as a constant, deep reminder, a tribute to those who gave so humbly of themselves, never asking for recognition or anything in return. Because of their devotion and love of our Mother Catholic Church and beloved Old Mission, it rests on an indestructible foundation.

We forever proudly and humbly honor:

Acu
Ramon Aguilar
Paul “Mocho” Arbiso
Cha Cha Belardes
Lillian Belardes
Reyes Belardes Yorba
Charles Bodnar
Jesus Bravo
Gloria Carter
Irma Camarena
Agapita Contreras
Rose Corrigan
Lynn Daque
Rita Donner
Raymond Estrada
Carmen Etcheberria
Prudence Etcheberria
Betty Forster
Evelyn Forster
George “Buddy” Forster
Michael “Mickey” Forster
Franciscan Sisters of Sylvania, Ohio
Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse
Gerald Gaffney
Michael “Mike” Gastelum
Benacio “Ben” Garcia
Felipe Garcia
Clara Garcia
T. Gutierrez
Father Richard Hartman
Historic Members of First Old Mission Guides
Samuel “Sammy” Houston
Fred Hunn Sr.
Father Hutchinson
Mr. Joyce
Mrs. LaLonde
Rita Lobo
Manriquez Family
Monsignor Paul Martin
Maryknoll Missionary Sisters of New York
Blanche McKray
Helen McMullen
T. Montano
Fr. Jose Mut (Considered a Santo by Our Ancestors)
Floyd “Ditty” Nieblas
George Nieblas
MaryRuth Nieblas
MaryAnne Nieblas
Rita Nieblas
Patricia Nieblas
Msgr. St. John O’Sullivan (The Great Restorer of O.M.S.J.C.)
Olivares Family
D. Olivares
Viviana Olivares (Our Town’s First Matriarch)
Jose Perez
Tomas Ramos
Gertrude Rios
Monsignor Vincent Lloyd-Russell
Anthony “Tony” Salas
Louise Scharn
School Sisters of Saint Francis
Eustalia Soto
Father Richard Toal
Chapo Valenzuela
Frank Velasquez
Corrine Ward
A. Yorba
T. R. Yorba

~ Vaya Con Dios, y que su viaje sea feliz! ~

Go with God, and may your journey be happy!

Your descendants remain here, our historical bloodlines unbroken, in this, our great and historical San Juan Capistrano community. We thank you with our deepest love and respect for all your years of difficult, selfless, dedicated devotion to our Old Mission San Juan Capistrano. We are proud to be members of these families.

Jesus on the cross surrounded by flowers and wearing a crown on his head in a cemetery.

Mission Statement

“With integrity, the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee proudly recognizes, respects and honors ALL the historical elements of San Juan Capistrano – its lands, its structures, its families, and its traditions.”

Celebrating Use of the New City Seal

The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee is thrilled to see the City of San Juan Capistrano fully using the new approved, supported, and fully endorsed city seal. The seal was designed by Kimberleigh Gavin and was approved by so many of our historic families.

San Juan Capistrano City Seal

Who We Are

We are the chosen! In each family, there is one who seems called to find the ancestors. To put flesh on their bones and make them alive again, to tell the family story, and to feel that somehow they know and approve. Doing Geneology is not a cold gathering of facts, but instead, breathing life into all who have gone before. We are the storytellers of the tribe.

This statement, by an anonymous person, describes the very being of Jerry Nieblas, Historian of the Old Mission and San Juan Capistrano.

Meet our Board Members

Learn more about our Board Members and who to contact if you have any questions.

Contact Us