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.

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 proudly and humbly honor:

Acu
R. Aguilar
P. Arbiso
C. Belardes
L. Belardes
L. Belardes
R. Belardes
J. Bravo
G. Carter
I. Camarena
A. Contreras
R. Donner
R. Estrada
P. Etcheberria
B.Forster
E. Forster
Franciscan Sisters of Sylvania of Ohio
Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse
B. Garcia
F. Garcia
C. Garcia
T. Gutierrez
Father Richard Hartman
Historic members of first Old Mission Guides
S. Houston
F. Hunn Sr.
Father Hutchinson
Mr. Joyce
R. Lobo
Manriquez Family
Monsignor Paul Martin
Maryknoll Missionary Sisters of New York
B. McKray
H. McMullen
T. Montano
Fr. Jose Mut Considered our ancestors’ personal Santo.
F. Nieblas
G. Nieblas
M. Nieblas
M.A. Nieblas
R. Nieblas
P. Nieblas
Msgr. St. John O’Sullivan (the great restorer of O.M.S.J.C.)
Olivares Family
D. Olivares
V. Olivares
J. Perez
T. Ramos
G. Rios
Monsignor Vincent Lloyd-Russell
T. Salas
L. Scharn
School Sisters of Saint Francis
Eu. Soto
Father R. Toal
C. Valenzuela
F. Velasquez
C. 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.

Meet our Board Members

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

Contact Us