Judge Richard Egan – “The King of Capistrano”
1842-1923 Judge Richard Egan was one of San Juan’s best known citizens for over 50 years. He was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1842 and brought to the United
We need your help.
Your generous donations and membership fees help us with preservation efforts and educational programs as we fulfill our mission as stewards of San Juan Capistrano’s rich history.
Historical Figures
Don Juan Forster
1815 – 1882 John “Don Juan” Forster was born in 1815 in Liverpool, England to a very unpretentious family. He grew up to become one of the largest landowners in
Richard O’Neill
1824 – 1910 Richard O’Neill was born in 1824 in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland. It was a fortuitous meeting when Richard O’Neill met James Flood on a ship leaving Ireland
TOUR LOS RIOS
The Historical Society gives tours every Saturday at 1:00 pm starting at the train depot. We share the colorful history of Los Rios Street, including the four buildings on the Historical Society’s grounds. Tours last about 45 minutes. Private tours are available by appointment for groups of 5 or more. For more information or to make an appointment, please email us at info@sjchistory.org or call 949-493-8444.
Private Events
More than a Museum! The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is a unique venue for all types of private events. From private dinners in the historic Silvas Adobe to weddings held on our beautiful grounds, the Society can provide a special place for your next event. Please call 949-493-8444 for rental information.
The Journal
The SJC Historical Society publishes a quarterly newsletter with news about new exhibits, meetings and special events, as well as feature articles about local history. This serves as the primary vehicle for communicating with Society members and friends. Click HERE to access the most current issue of the Journal. Printed copies are also available at the Historical Society office in the O’Neill Museum.
Historic Buildings
The Silvas Adobe
This building dates back to sometime around 1794. In 2009 The Society bagan a restoration project. Jose Maria Silvas rebuilt it in 1868. In 1871, Silvas married Maria Manuela de
Arley Leck House
The Historical Society raised funds to create the Richard Henry Dana statue in the Dana Point Harbor. With the help of the Mission Docents, funds were raised for the restoration
O’neill Museum
The Garcia/Pryor residence, now known as the O’Neill Museum, was built between 1870 and 1880 by Jose Garcia, a saloon owner, for his wife, Refugio Yorba. It was one of
San Juan Capistrano is one of the oldest towns in California. To preserve the history and heritage of this unique community, residents organized a Historical Society. Bringing people together with a common purpose, the Society endeavors to protect and share the continuing story of California and the Capistrano Valley.
Through an appreciation of our past, we gain a better understanding of our present. And the Historical Society offers a variety of learning opportunities and resources where visitors of all ages can learn about the region’s history.
We welcome you to visit, tour the grounds, become a member, and enjoy learning about our town’s unique heritage. The Historical Society office is located in the O’Neill Museum. This historic home was built circa 1870 and was one of the first frame houses in San Juan Capistrano. It is furnished as it would have been in the 1880s, providing visitors with an authentic feel for what life was like during that time. The museum is open Wednesday thru Saturday 9 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4 pm.