Community Spotlight: Rancho Los Cerritos

Rancho Los Cerritos is a California historic site where patrons and volunteers alike enjoy the surviving stories of the people who once lived there. There are multiple places at the ranch that you can tour during operating hours, including the main adobe ranch house and the gardens. There’s even an archive where historically relevant photos and sound recordings can be accessed, by appointment.

When you’re around the Cerritos, Buena Park, or Long Beach areas, we implore you to visit Rancho Los Cerritos—and maybe even volunteer with them.

Collections

The main focus for Rancho Los Cerritos is to compile and tell the history of the adobe ranch house. For the patron, this means that most of the objects and materials placed around the house are directly related to the Rancho from prehistoric times through 1955. Some of the interesting sites on the property are archeologically significant trash pits from the 1840s and cogged stones that are thousands of years old.

When you walk through the house, take note of the furnishings in the exhibit rooms, as they are mostly from the Bixby family, who inhabited the house during the mid- to late-1800s.

Volunteer Opportunities

House Docent Training

This position consists of learning the history of the old adobe house to eventually inform the patrons of Rancho Los Cerritos. The training class will not only teach volunteers about the people who lived on the property, but also the historical artifacts that still reside in the main house. In addition, you’ll be taught how to communicate historical stories to tour members.

Garden Docent Training

People who enroll in the Garden Docent Training program will have access to a plethora of knowledge about the chronology of garden life at Rancho Los Cerritos. Part of the training includes meeting with the in-house horticulturist to learn about the 4.7 acres of land. While you discuss the 1930s renovation by landscape architect Ralph Cornell, you’ll gain knowledge of hundreds of types of trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Teen Volunteers

Rancho Los Cerritos has a lot of opportunities for teens to participate in and they’re always in need of excited, consistent people to help. Teenagers can earn service-learning credits while assisting summer camp staff, general museum needs, or joining the Teen Docent Program in the fall.

Special Event Volunteers

Considering that the ranch hosts many events every year, it’s no wonder they could use a hand to manage this beautiful property and its history. Volunteer postings include refreshments, parking, and helping with crafts.

Make a Trip to Rancho Los Cerritos

We hope you enjoyed learning all about Rancho Los Cerritos’ mission and how you can get involved with their organization. Whether you’re interested in 1800s history or want to help the community, there’s a place for you at Rancho Los Cerritos. Enjoy a tour of the gardens and adobe ranch house, or visit for an informational lecture with your kids. For schools, teachers can request memorabilia from the ranch and sign up for day tours.

If you’re in the Cerritos, Buena Park, or Long Beach area, be sure to check out their Facebook page to find out more!