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Mission San Miguel to celebrate the reopening of its Museum to the public
On December 22nd, 2003 the San Simeon earthquake hit Mission San Miguel closing the 200-year-old National Landmark to the public. Three years later and after several million dollars of earthquake repair and retrofitting, a historic part of the old Mission Convento, presently a museum, is now ready to reopen to the public. On December 22nd, at 11:15:56 – the same date and time of the of the earthquake three years ago, the Mission Museum doors will open and once again welcome visitors.
“It’s a major step and we still have a long way to go, but we are on our way” said Project Manager John Fowler. With Phase I completed last November and now with half of Phase II of a seven phase restoration and earthquake retrofit program completed, the Mission is definitely on its way. Receipt of State and Federal funds through the State and National Park Service is anticipated shortly to fund the completion of Phase II. Said Fowler, “As of yet there are insufficient funds available to restore the Old Mission Church, but we believe when people see what we’ve been able to do with their donations they will continue to help. Every year we will continue to open up more areas for visitor access - ultimately reopening the Old Mission Church, the jewel of the California Mission Chain."
On Friday, December 22nd, at Mission San Miguel, the celebration of the re-opening of the Museum will begin at 11:00am. At 11:15:56 – the same time of the earthquake three years ago, the Mission bells will toll and Fr. Ray Tintle, O.F.M., Pastor of Mission San Miguel and Br. William Short, O.F.M. Guardian of Mission San Miguel, will cut the ribbon to officially begin tours of the Museum.
Completion of Phase I, the re-opening the Gift Shop, and now the Museum has been no small task for this rural community of 1400 citizens. The past three years the local community has run bake sales, sold t-shirts, and had numerous concerts and fundraising dinners. There was even adobe brick making by the Salinan Indians and local volunteers. Word went out. Local, state and national political leaders step-up to help the cause, and foundations like the Getty, California Missions, Morgan Family, Linden-Root Dickenson and Ahmanson joined in with sizable donations to help save the Irreplaceable Mission San Miguel.
Mission San Miguel truly does have a lot to celebrate for the progress made these past three years. If you are interested in joining us to celebrate or helping us by making a donation toward saving an irreplaceable part of our heritage contact Project Manager, John Fowler at 805-781-0671.
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