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Maritime History
Discover the message with the maritime alpha-numeric flag key. 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 Albion” (believed to be present-day Point Reyes). 17th Century 1602: Sebastián Vizcaíno charts the California coast and renames Cabrillo’s “San Miguel” Bay to San Diego Bay. His expedition produces more accurate maps for Spanish navigation. 18th Century 1769: The Spanish Portola Expedition establishes Mission San Diego…
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September 2024
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, our coastal communities from Newport Beach to San Diego’s Balboa Park are named after him. The city of Newport Beach would not be possible without Captain Dunnells and William Abbott who arrived on the vessel called Vaquero. This team is credited for having discovered a safe entry into a “new port” in 1870. This landing…
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San Juan Capistrano
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 San Juan Capistrano adventures with us using #VisitSanJuanCapistrano https://youtube.com/shorts/z5g9FeRv2Lo Top Attractions: Start your journey at the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, often referred to as the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Founded in 1776, this historic landmark is a treasure trove of beautifully preserved architecture and lush gardens. Located in Nueva España or new Spain,…
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Crystal Cove
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. Our team was honored to digizite the Laura Davick Collection at UCI Libraries. This collection covers over a hundred years of history with photographs, letters, oral histories, newspapers, and film. Dating back to the early days of beach tents and makeshift cottages, the “Commons” in the Crystal Cove Historic District was known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The cluster of six tiny cottages, located directly on Los Trancos creek, started as weekly rentals used…
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August 2024
August 2024 by 70 Degrees According to the National Archives, 70° Fahrenheit is the preferred temperature that is optimal for the preservation of artifacts in exhibition spaces. Dana Point History ⚓Happy Birthday, Richard Henry Dana Jr.! ⚓ Richard Henry Dana Jr. embarked on a sailor’s adventure aboard the brig Pilgrim in 1834 where he sailed to California from Boston. This journey was captured when he wrote Two Years Before the Mast, published in 1840. Learn more about the city of Dana Point by reading our Field Notes. Learn More 70 Degrees is re-designing the Dana Point Historical Society website. Visit the museum in person or virtually to learn how Sydney…
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Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for those looking to explore The American Rivera. Top Attractions Santa Barbara’s iconic pier, Stearns Wharf offers breathtaking ocean views, boutique shopping, and fresh seafood dining. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a must-visit landmark. Santa Barbara Mission is known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this historic site was founded in 1786. Explore the beautifully preserved mission, its gardens, and the museum to learn about the early history of California. The harbor view from Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is unique and has an interactive tattoo history exhibit.…
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Field Notes | July 2024
According to the National Archives, 70° Fahrenheit is the preferred temperature that is optimal for the preservation of artifacts in exhibition spaces. View the virtual Declaration of Independence. From the Archives The original Declaration of Independence was written by hand and signed by fifty-six members of the Continental Congress. The parchment, an animal skin, measures 29” x 24”. If you look at the lower left-hand corner closely, you’ll discover a mysterious handprint that was noticed in the 1940s by a conservator. John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence, oil on canvas, 1818. The Declaration of Independence scribe was named Timothy Mallack. His tools were a quill pen and iron gall ink. The…
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San Clemente
Jennifer Keil at Casa Romantica 🏄♂️ Welcome to San Clemente, California 🌞 Discover the charming city of San Clemente, where the sun meets the sea. San Clemente is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the quintessential Southern California experience. It was developed by Ole Hanson as “The Spanish Village by the Sea.” While in San Clemente, don’t miss the pier the founder’s house. San Clemente is hosting the surfing competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center will be involved. Surfing Museum founder Dick Metz 🏖️ Top Attractions: San Clemente Pier: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this iconic pier, take in panoramic ocean views, and dine…
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Dana Point
Click on the images below to download the Arts & Culture Map. 🌊 Welcome to Dana Point, California! We are the whale capital of the world. Dana Point is a coastal paradise waiting to be explored with a Hawaiian influence from surf to cuisine. The Duke Kahanamoku exported surfing from Hawaii to California in the early 1900s. Dana Point’s surfing history developed in the 1930s with Watermen. This term for surfers has a dedicated Watermen’s Plaza with the local legends. The Beach Boys wrote in Surfin’ U.S.A. “Doheny way. Everybody’s gone surfin’ Surfin U. S. A.” Whale watching excursions, sailing, parasailing, stand up paddleboarding, jetski, fishing. 🛥️ Top Attractions: Dana…
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Field Notes | June 2024
According to the National Archives, 70° Fahrenheit is the preferred temperature that is optimal for the preservation of artifacts in exhibition spaces. 70° is the perfect temperature for fun! From the 70° Archives  The Ocean Institute offers an incredible opportunity to join a chartered cruise from the Dana Point Harbor to open seas with their captain. The crew will guide you to discover the incredible journey of whales and dolphins outside of the harbor. Experience the schooner Spirit of Dana Point from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during the summer months. Take a look at the upcoming cruise calendar to RSVP.…
