The Calendar of documents in the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library is a descriptive account in chronological order of the official archive of the Franciscan Padres. Though small in size, it is important for the fuller understanding of Spain's last great mission field in the Indies.
 
This archive had its inception during those intense months when Joseph de Gálvez and Fray Junípero Serra planned the exploration of Alta California in 1768. The original archive remained in the hands of Serra till his death in 1784. It was passed on to succeeding Presidentes. With the secularization and confiscation of the missions, the mounting letters and documents came to Santa Barbara, the only mission which has remained in the hands of the Franciscans from its founding until the present day.
 
For purposes of utility and interest the documents of the SBMAL are grouped into: The Junípero Serra Collection, 1713 to 1947; the California Mission Documents, 1640-1853; and the Apostolic College (Our Lady of Sorrows) Collection, 1853-1885.  
 
In each case, it is understood that the original is in the SBMAL unless photostat, photograph, or transcript is noted. Then if possible the location of the original is given. Likewise, it is understood that the document cited is in longhand unless "printed" is indicated. In all cases, it is clear that the documents herein cited are in the Spanish language unless another language is indicated.  The Calendar was the lifelong work and creation of historian and archivist, Fr. Maynard Geiger, O.F.M.

The calendars are searchable by author, title and subject. When in the calendar, click on the binocular icon to the left of the list.

Junipero Serra Collection (downloads 396kb PDF file)

Apostolic College (Our Lady of Sorrows) Documents (downloads 256kb PDF file)

de la Guerra Collection (downloads 1mb PDF file)

de la Guerra-Vallejo-Summary (downloads 84kb PDF file)