La Señora

Research Institute

Preserving the Heart of Santa Monica Canyon’s Heritage

Our Mission

Illuminating Our Legacy – at La Señora, history, architecture, and culture come together in a quiet canyon, steps from the Pacific Ocean.

La Señora Research Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles committed to preserving and interpreting the rich history of the Rancho Era in Southern California. Through research, public education, and community engagement, we protect and honor the stories, people, and traditions of the 1839 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Boca de Santa Monica.

From Rancho Roots to Community Renaissance

La Señora stands at the crossroads of history and community revival, celebrating the rich heritage of Southern California’s Rancho Era while inspiring contemporary cultural connections. Through preservation, education, and vibrant programming, we bridge the legacy of the past with the promise of our community’s future. Join us as we journey together from historic roots toward a thriving cultural renaissance.

Historic Preservation

La Señora preserves Southern California’s Rancho Era heritage through careful restoration of historic structures, inspiring future generations and connecting our past with today’s community.

Cultural & Community Events

La Señora hosts concerts, film screenings, dance salons, lectures, and festive gatherings, celebrating heritage and creating memorable community connections.

Research & Archives

Our archives preserve manuscripts, photos, films, and oral histories, inviting scholars and the community to explore California’s rich Rancho heritage.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteers

La Señora Research Institute is powered entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers and interns whose time, talent, and commitment make everything we do possible. Their diverse roles—from event staffing, archival research, and administrative coordination to writing, photography, and graphic design—ensure the professional quality and welcoming spirit that define our programs. Even the most routine tasks essential to our daily operations are sustained through their generosity and care.

We hold deep appreciation for each volunteer and continually seek ways to acknowledge their contributions publicly, both on our website and in our communications. Their service not only preserves the Rancho Era’s history but also strengthens the sense of community that lies at the heart of La Señora’s mission.

We warmly welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, especially local students and young adults interested in public history, education, and cultural preservation. Whether you can give a few hours a month or assist on special projects, your involvement helps keep this living history vibrant and accessible to all.

Contact Us to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can take part in preserving and sharing the legacy of early California.

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Membership

Membership isn’t just about perks—it’s a partnership. By joining La Señora Research Institute, you become part of a community dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Rancho Era in Southern California.

Members help sustain our ongoing research, educational programs, and cultural events that bring history to life. Your participation—whether through volunteering, supporting student interns, or attending events—helps ensure that these stories and traditions endure for future generations.

There are various Membership options available.

We deeply value our volunteers and members, and we continually strive to recognize their contributions publicly and in our communications.

Ready to get involved? Contact Us to learn more about becoming a La Señora member and how you can make a lasting impact.

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Donations

La Señora’s ongoing programs in Research, Education, and Historic Presentations of Music and Film are vital to fulfilling our mission of preserving and interpreting the Rancho Era of Southern California. Through these programs, we not only document and share the region’s unique cultural heritage, but also inspire future generations to understand and appreciate the stories that shaped our community.

While all key management positions at La Señora Research Institute are proudly filled by dedicated volunteers, the success of our educational work also depends on the support of our community. Earnings for our work–study interns—students from five local universities who gain invaluable hands-on experience in history, preservation, and cultural interpretation—rely on the generosity of donors and members like you.

Your contribution directly sustains this important educational partnership and helps us continue offering meaningful learning opportunities.

Contact Us to explore how you can best support our efforts and make a lasting difference in preserving California’s heritage.

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Our Location

La Señora is located in the serene Santa Monica Canyon where lies the creek from which the City of Santa Monica took its name. Legend tells that a Spanish Solider with the first exploration party drank from the meandering creek running through our Canyon and exclaimed that: “The water is as sweet as the tears of St. Monica”.

Address

565 Dryad Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Questions? Contact Us

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