Teaching Trunks
California History: Mission and Ranchos

Before California was officially a part of the United States of America, it was a region of Spanish settlements. California History: Mission and Ranchos provides information about the Catholic missions built by the Spaniards from Europe and the cattle ranches on which the early American settlers lived. Students will handle the building materials, clothes, and household items that are usually only discussed in history books. A perfect addition to the fourth grade California Mission curriculum, students can explore the artifacts and information included in the trunk to gain a thorough understanding of early California history.

Inventory

Educator's Notebook
With background information, artifact descriptions, CD-ROM, a California History Guide and resources

Books

• A Mission for the People -- The Story of La Purisima by Mary Ann Eraser
• California Mission: Missions of the Los Angeles Area by Diane MacMillan
• California Missions Coloring Book
• Tales and Treasures of California's Missions:  Hand-on History by Ghost Town Publishing
• Valley of the Moon by Sherry Garland

Posters

• Heritage of the Santa Monica Mountains Natural Recreation Area -- "LEGEND"
• The Best Poster Ever of California Missions

Videotape (3 VHS)

• The Missions of California

Opposing Viewpoints

• Mission Life and Missions of the Southwest
• Roads Across the Plains

Primary Source Materials

• Branding Permit, 1850
• Branding Permit, 1854

Costumes

• Woman's Calico Shirt
• Woman's Skirt
• Woman's Rebozo
• Man's Broadfall Pants
• Man's Work Shirt

Artifacts

• Adobe Brick
• Adobe Brick Mold
• Adobe Trowel
• Branding Iron
• Carreta Model
• Ceramic Candlestick
• Ceramic Pitcher
• Cow Hide
• Cow Horn
• Gourd Canteen
• Rancho Tally Stick
• Wooden Cup