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Collections & Exhibitions

Explore Rancho Los Cerritos' unique history through our collections and exhibitions.

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Rancho Los Cerritos’ historic collection spans from prehistoric times to the 1940s and is comprised of approximately 15,000 artifacts and archival materials relating to the Rancho and its occupants. The collection includes 1,000 textiles and garments from the 1830s to the 1930s as well as over 1,000 historic photographs of the Rancho and the people who lived and worked here. Our site also houses furniture, decorative arts, recordings, and historic documents that reflect and highlight the different time periods, cultures, and individuals that make up RLC history.

Exhibitions at Rancho Los Cerritos are rooted in a deep appreciation for the site’s past as well as our commitment to bring forth the diverse stories of the people who shaped RLC. Our exhibitions not only feature innovative explorations of historical and contemporary themes, but also create a space for community building, engagement, and discourse.

View our collection highlights and past exhibits online or visit in person to explore and get to know the unique histories behind Rancho Los Cerritos.

Please email Rancho@RanchoLosCerritos.org to schedule a research appointment.

Collections

Cozy rustic bedroom with bed and desk.

Rancho Los Cerritos is designated as site number “LAn 696,” which refers to its registry in Los Angeles County as part of a statewide archaeological survey. The grounds under and surrounding the adobe are rich in archaeological materials. The site includes known trash pits from the 1840s-50s and from the 1870s-80s. The cache of “cogged…

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Cozy library room with wooden table and bookshelves

The California History Research Library contains more than 3,000 books on California history, both rare volumes and current publications, and also books on decorative arts and museum studies. It is a non-circulating reference center and is cataloged through the Long Beach Public Library. The research library is available by appointment only. Please email Rancho@RanchoLosCerritos.org to schedule a…

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The adobe ranch house, built in 1844, is the most important “artifact” at Rancho Los Cerritos, and the museum collections are aimed toward researching and sharing information about the house. For this reason, the most important collections include objects and archival materials that are directly associated with the Rancho and its owners, occupants and workers…

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The mission of Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site is to restore and preserve the structure and grounds; collect appropriate resources; and interpret the relationship of the Rancho’s diverse peoples, from Native American times through the 1940s, to the development of the Long Beach area. This will be accomplished through a broad spectrum of educational programs,…

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