La Señora Research Institute's focus is on research and education. It begins with our scholars as we document the Rancho Era of Early California under Spain, Mexico and the United States, especially as it relates to the 1839 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Boca de Santa Monica where our José Mojica Hacienda and the Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery are located.
Equally important to the preservation of historic records is the preservation of the Rancho's rich cultural heritage with its typically Mexican "Welcoming Traditions". From the beginning, the Rancho's canyon grounds were freely visited by anyone seeking tranquility under its sheltering trees and ocean breezes.
In addition to preserving the cultural heritage of the 1770s-1880s Californianos society (adding emphasis on the families of Francisco Marquez and Ysidro Reyes, the grantees of this Rancho), La Senora's programs also explore the early 1900s residents of the Rancho lands and the colorful histories of the Old Hollywood 1920s-1950s residents of the José Mojica Hacienda. Take a step into the walled gardens of the Hacienda --you'll find yourself transported to an era that lends itself to presenting the stories of this special place.

Founded in 2006, the Institute has benefitted extensively from our Historian's prior 30 years of research into the history of his family's Rancho Boca de Santa Monica legacy. Building on a collection of over 3600 photos and historic documents, our research Interns focus on documenting the cultural legacies behind those stories. Our Foundation Director spent 30 years in friendship with the former owners of the Mojica Hacienda in which the Institute is housed. The oral histories they provided of Old Hollywood are being captured as are their films being collected and shown in our 1930's 50-seat theater.