As we step into a brand-new year, we’re excited to celebrate the timeless history and heritage. Whether you’re preserving historic landmarks, curating exhibits that bring the past to life, or simply cherishing the stories that connect us to our roots, 2025 is a year to honor the importance of our shared past. We’re grateful for… Read More January 2025
From the Archives 📁 These photographs have been digitized and archived in our family’s collection. Have you started archiving your family’s history? Consider purchasing a Family Archives Preservation Kit. The History Hub is managed by the National Archives. It is for researchers, citizen historians, and archival professionals. 70 Degrees provides resources to you as you… Read More December 2024
On November 1, 1776, Saint Junipero Serra re-founded Mission San Juan Capistrano for All Saints’ Day. It became the seventh of twenty-one missions to be founded in Alta California. Learn more about SJC’s vibrant history. Learn More Artist of the Month “To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion… Read More November 2024
Written by Dylan Arseo, USC History student and 70 Degrees Intern Originally built in 1925, The Nirvana is an ode to the revivalist style of architecture that was popular in the early twentieth century. The designers of the building were fascinated with the idea of “exoticiscm” and hence, were inspired to employ a Chinese aesthetic.… Read More Nirvana | Hollywood
Katie Wheeler Library, Irvine, CA The Irvine Ranch grew Valencia oranges prior to our county’s incorporation. It was a leader in dry farming and livestock. The rangelands were reminiscent of the hills of Ireland where James Irvine lived and left in 1846 when he was nineteen years old.
Cattle on Irvine Ranch, 1900. The Irvine Ranch grew Valencia oranges and was a leader in dry farming and livestock. The rangelands were reminiscent of the following hills of Ireland where James Irvine left in 1846 at nineteen years old. According to the Irvine Historical Society, James took a one-hundred-one-day journey and ate hard beans,… Read More Irvine
Maritime History by 70 Degrees 16th Century 1542: Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo becomes the first European to explore the California coast, landing in what is now San Diego Bay. His journey establishes Spanish maritime claims to the region. 1579: Sir Francis Drake explores the northern California coast and claims it for England, naming the area “Nova… Read More Maritime History
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th. We celebrate the Hispanic explorers that created California’s multi-cultural identity. From the Archives ⚓Balboa Park was named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa. His crew crossed the Isthmus of Panama to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513. As the first Europeans to lead an expedition and reach the Pacific,… Read More September 2024
San Juan Capistrano, a picturesque city nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in 1776. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit places at the birthplace of Orange County. 📸 Share your Visit… Read More San Juan Capistrano
Before After See the historical district images and virtual tour created by Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove Conservancy! Visit the forty-six California vernacular architecture cottages designed with local materials from palm frawns to shipwreck materials. Dating back to the early days of beach tents and makeshift cottages, the “Commons” in the Crystal Cove… Read More Crystal Cove
We feature local events and exhibits.
