4/11/2026    Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe

OPEN HOUSE

Renowned Historian Andrés Reséndes Featured at the Castro Adobe 

Step back into 1840s California at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park on Saturday, April 11th from 10:30am to 3:00pm featuring a special appearance by award-winning historian Andrés Reséndes.

Andrés who grew up in Mexico City and is now a professor of history at UC Davis, is celebrated for his groundbreaking research on the intertwined histories of Mexico, California, and the broader Pacific world. His bestselling book The Other Slavery was a finalist for the 2016 National Book Award and winner of the 2017 Bancroft Award. His scholarship offers valuable insight into the cultures and communities that shaped the Mexican Rancho period, and how this era connected California’s ranchos to the wider world—through trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Andrés will be speaking at 11:00am and again at 1:00pm.

During your visit you will also discover the fully restored, two-story adobe hacienda—built 175 years ago by the Juan Jose Castro family, nestled in the Watsonville countryside.

Guests can stroll the gardens, explore historic rooms, and enjoy live music as knowledgeable docents share stories of California’s rancho past. Kids can make their own adobe brick and craft a terracotta planter to take home as a memento of the day. 

Be sure to stop by our Friends pop-up Parks Store, featuring unique gifts, books, and more.

Castro Adobe State Historic Park
184 Old Adobe Road, in the countryside of Watsonville

Questions? (831) 226-9669

Since parking is limited, its suggested to register in advance:
www.SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse

This event is made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Come experience a living piece of California history!