The Marin History Museum and Mission San Rafael Arcángel proudly present highlights from the Mission’s 200 years in to the community. Original vestments, artwork, artifacts, plus historic and contemporary photographs illustrate the storied history of San Rafael’s Mission and honor the cornerstone it represents within Marin’s community.

The Mission was founded as a “hospital asistencia” for ailing individuals from Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco. San Rafael was selected because of the ideal climate and agricultural richness, both of which were well-suited to the needs of a growing population. Over the next 200 years the mission was raised to “full mission status,” the original adobe buildings were lost to time and a new community of parishioners raised the roof on new buildings. Several houses of worship have stood on the Mission’s footprint, some were wood framed, others were stucco, but all have embraced the multicultural community that San Rafael has always been.

Nearly 70 years ago, a replica of the original mission rose on the site and now it is nestled next to St. Raphael’s Church. Together they represent the past, the present and the future of heart of the community.