Originals and photocopies of letters, reports, and related documents.

This archive had its inception during the months when Joseph de Gálvez and Fray Junípero Serra planned the exploration of Alta California in 1768. The original archive remained in Serra's hands until his death in 1784. It was passed on to succeeding Presidentes of the mission system. As friars elsewhere confronted mission secularization and confiscation in the 19th century, they sent their missions' historical documents and materials to Mission Santa Bárbara, which has remained in the hands of the Franciscans from its founding in 1786 until the present day. The materials should be considered original manuscripts in Spanish, unless noted otherwise. These finding guides are the lifelong work and creation of historian and archivist, Fr. Maynard Geiger, O.F.M., Ph.D.

(2.5 vertical file drawers)

The collection is open for research use by appointment. To make an appointment call (805) 682-4713 ext. 131 or email research@sbmal.org