The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange opened its first-ever traveling exhibition of archives on June 18 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange, celebrating 50 years since the diocese's founding in 1976. The exhibit, titled "Faith, History & Heritage: An Archives Exhibition," features over 200 items ranging from papal documents to OC Fair buttons, showcasing both church history and Orange County culture.
Visitors can view original papal documents from Pope Paul VI that established the diocese, a ceremonial miter worn by Abbot Ladislas K. Parker, and a baptismal shell used by St.
Junipero Serra in the late 1700s. The collection also includes a replica of a document signed by President Abraham Lincoln that returned Mission San Juan Capistrano to the Catholic Church, a guestbook from the mission containing signatures of silent film star Mary Pickford, and a blueprint of the Crystal Cathedral.
Additionally, a replica of the Nican Mopohua, the foundational source document describing the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is on display.
The archive team, led by Director Rev. Christopher Heath and Assistant Archivist Daniella Mosqueda, emphasized that this is the first time the diocese has publicly shown its collection.
The exhibition will travel to three parishes: Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange through June 21, the Christ Cathedral Campus in Garden Grove from June 24 to June 28, and Santiago de Compostela in Lake Forest from June 30 to July 8.
Bishop Timothy Freyer noted that the collection includes unique items amassed by the first diocesan archivist, Friar Bill Krekelberg, such as a model hot dog stand linked to Carl's Jr. founder and a real moon rock, illustrating that the church's history is not always serious.
After the exhibition, the archives will return to their facility at Mission San Juan Capistrano, with hopes for a permanent display space at Christ Cathedral Campus.
Hours of operation vary by location, with times including afternoon and evening slots. The exhibition is free and open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the diocese's rich history and its connection to Orange County's cultural heritage.