The Joaquin Moraga Adobe was built in 1841 by Don Joaquin Moraga as one of two family homesteads on the 13,000 acre “El Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados” land grant from the Mexican Government. The Joaquin Moraga Adobe in Orinda is the oldest surviving building in Contra Costa County. It has been recognized as a California State Historic Landmark since 1954 (landmark #509) and was designated as an Orinda City Landmark in 1995.
Great news – the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe now owns the Adobe with plans to open in 2025! Thanks to our very generous donors, we raised the $500,000 needed to purchase it and the 2.3 acres surrounding property! Read about the next steps to get the Adobe ready for visitors in our December 2024 FJMA Newsletter.
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The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe (FJMA) is a group of community members from Orinda, Moraga and the surrounding area who are dedicated to preserving the Moraga Adobe and making it accessible to the public as a History and Learning Center.
The Friends have come together in response to an opportunity to work with the owners of the Adobe to improve access and preserve the building, which has always been privately owned and not open to the public.
The Friends have agreed, as part of our acquisition of the Adobe and its surrounding 2.3 acres, to raise and contribute $500,000 to the cost of its rehabilitation. This will be matched by the developers, who will further absorb any additional costs.
Beyond this $500,000 we are committed to raising an additional $500,000 as an endowment, to provide for ongoing costs such as creating museum exhibits, landscaping, and operating expenses, for a total fundraising goal of $1 Million.
Buy a commemorative paver. Customize it with your own engraved message; it will be part of a pathway project at the restored Adobe. Pavers will be etched with a personal message of the donor’s choosing. They are a great way to be part of history, honor someone, or are a great gift for that hard-to-buy-for person.
Our mailing list is the best way to keep up-to-date with news about the Adobe, the new restoration, and how you can help.
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Buy a Personalized Paver! We are still accepting paver orders, but don’t wait too long as the initial installation is planned for 2024.
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Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe