Subject: Foreign Language: Spanish

The Missions of California Series (Spanish)

"Highly Recommended. This is an excellent study of California's historic missions." -CIVC Index
California's 21 missions are the state's most visited historical landmarks. This series, shot entirely on location, offers viewers the complete story of the missions and their impact on the state's development. Produced by Chip Taylor. Programs available on 6 or 13 individual DVDs, Digital Streaming Files or Videos; also in a 6-Disc Set. (14 Programs available in English.) For pricing call in US: 800.876.2447/Intl. 603.434.9262 or e-mail
Associated Article: Faithful Monuments -Smithsonian Magazine

List of Titles

1. Father Junipero Serra

"Highly Recommended. Shot on location in California, this program discusses the historical importance of Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra, who is considered the founder of the California missions. The program is well documented and offers a lot of information in a short time. The illustrations are excellent, Click for more

2. Mission Carmel

One of the most striking and unique of California's 21 missions is Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo or, simply, Mission Carmel. Located at the mouth of the magnificent Carmel Valley, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the mission is one of the state's most outstanding historic landmarks. Originally, on June 3, Click for more

California Missions 1 & 2

A combined version of 1. Father Junipero Serra and 2. Mission Carmel is available.
1. Father Junipero Serra
"Highly Recommended. Shot on location in California, this program discusses the historical importance of Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra, who is considered the founder of Click for more

3. California's Heritage - The Missions

As we discover how California's missions are a symbolic representation of a Spanish and Native American cross-cultural heritage that exists today, tradition comes alive! No longer are these buildings of adobe and stone quiet and forgotten relics of the past; as monuments to our ancestors, they preserve memories of Click for more

4. Mission Indians

The story of California's missions would be incomplete without a study of the Native Americans who were an important part of the mission system established by the Spanish. In this program viewers are introduced to the Native Americans who as a people lived for thousands of years in harmony with nature in this land Click for more

California Missions 3 & 4

A combined version of 3. California's Heritage - The Missions and 4. Mission Indians is available.
3. California's Heritage - The Missions
As we discover how California's missions are a symbolic representation of a Spanish and Native American cross-cultural heritage that exists today, Click for more

5. Mission San Diego de Alcala

As one admires the impressive white chapel façade of Mission San Diego de Alcala, it would be correct to say, "it all began here"; its history dates back to July 16, 1769, when it was established as California's first mission by Father Junipero Serra; thus beginning the California mission system, which secured the Click for more

6. Mission San Gabriel Arcangel

Today, at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Junipero Serra Avenue in the City of San Gabriel, you will find an active mission of California, San Gabriel Arcangel, which dates back to September 8, 1771, when, under the direction of Father Juniper Serra, Fathers Pedro Cambón and Joseph de la Somera founded the Click for more

7. Mission Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, uniquely located on California's "south" coast, has a Mediterranean-type climate and is known for its incredible beauty. It too is no surprise to discover one of the most beautiful of California's missions can be found here, Mission Santa Barbara, the tenth of 21 missions founded in the state by Spanish Click for more

California Missions 5, 6, 7

A combined version of 5. Mission San Diego de Alcala; 6. Mission San Gabriel Arcangel and 7. Mission Santa Barbara is available.
5. Mission San Diego de Alcala
As one admires the impressive white chapel façade of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, it would be correct to say, "it all began here"; Click for more

8. Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, California, was immortalized in the 1940 song, When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano, and became best known for the migration of cliff swallows that migrate here each year from Argentina to Mission San Juan Capistrano. To honor this annual phenomenon, the city celebrates St. Joseph's Click for more

9. Mission San Juan Bautista

Mission San Juan Bautista received worldwide fame when it was prominently featured in the 1958 Alfred Hitchcock film Vertigo, which starred Jimmy Stewart. Located in the town of San Juan Bautista, the mission was established by Father Fermin Lasuen on June 24, 1797, and is the 15th of California's 21 missions; Click for more

California Missions 8 & 9

A combined version of 8. Mission San Juan Capistrano and 8. Mission San Juan Bautista is available.
8. Mission San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, California, was immortalized in the 1940 song, "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano," and became best known for the migration of Click for more

10. Mission San Luis Obispo

Californians are extremely proud of their state's 21 missions and nowhere is this more apparent than in San Luis Obispo, the commercial, governmental, and cultural hub of San Luis Obispo County. The fifth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra, dating back to September 1, 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo Click for more

11. Mission San Antonio

Mission San Antonio de Padua was the third mission founded by Father Junipero Serra; the date was July 14, 1771. Surrounded by Federal lands, the Mission's setting today looks as much as it did when it was originally founded. The original setting was three miles closer to the nearby river; however, it was moved to Click for more

California Missions 10 & 11

A combined version of 10. Mission San Louis Obispo and 11. Mission San Antonio is available.
10. Mission San Luis Obispo
Californians are extremely proud of their state's 21 missions and nowhere is this more apparent than in San Luis Obispo, the commercial, governmental, and cultural Click for more

12. Class Project - The Making of a Mission

Studying the Missions of California is an important part of all children's education in their state - and it's a great U.S. history lesson for children outside of California. Narrated by Alejandro Coronado in Spanish, this "hands on" program offers two creative class projects presented by 4th grade boys and Click for more

13. California Mission Glossary Game

The chain of 21 Spanish missions along El Camino Real, the King's Highway, are an important part of the state's history; each is a tangible reminder of days past, rich with memories of a convergence of cultures, which eventually led to the melting pot we now know as California. As part of a complete education, students Click for more

California Missions 12 & 13

A combined version of 12. Class Project - The Making of a Mission and 13. Mission Glossary Game is available.
12. Class Project - The Making of a Mission
Studying the Missions of California is an important part of all children's education in their state - and it's a great U.S. history Click for more