The "new adobe casa" that ranchero Eusebio Boronda built in the late 1840's incorporates several features of the New England-Hispanic architectural style now called Monterey Colonial. Boronda drew his inspiration from the Monterey home of a successful Yankee trader, T. O. Larkin. The property remained in the Boronda family until the 1930's, then changed hands several times and was finally acquired by the Historical Society in 1973.

The latter carried out a meticulous restoration along the guidelines set by a visiting Smithsonian expert, only to be faced with a repeat performance following a severe earthquake. Today the walls are supported by hidden steel.

Although the three-room adobe has been used for historical educational displays, it never became a true museum until 1995 when the Monterey County Committee of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in California offered to undertake the task of selecting period (1845-1860) furnishings. Choices of suitable Mexican wares, locally made pieces and the simpler imports brought by trading ships have been made, avoiding inappropriate Victoriana. A few Boronda family heirlooms have been added to the collection.

STATE HISTORICAL LANDMARK #87