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César E. Chávez National Monument
Welcome to the virtual tour of the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California. In the 1970s, Chávez made this place not only a home for his family but also the pulsating heart of the farmworker movement. In this experience you will step into the modest Chavez home nestled the heart of the community which came to be known as Villa de la Paz. The simple white home served as a peaceful sanctuary and central hub for Chávez, his family, and the movement's passionate volunteers. Today, Chávez's legacy thrives as his family continues to inhabit La Paz, maintaining its history in partnership with the National Park Service. Join Park Ranger Miranda Hernandez and three of Chávez's descendants as they share stories from this historic landscape and their nostalgic memories of growing up here. -
Stop 1. The Heart of La Paz
The humble home of Helen Chávez, just as she left it when she passed in 2016, reflects the deep roots of the Chávez family and the farmworker movement in La Paz. The surrounding landscape, including a former TB sanitarium and a peaceful garden, reveals the challenges faced by the family and the influence of nature and community in shaping life in this place. -
Stop 2. Helen's Park
Helen's Park, nestled near the entrance, features meticulously tended flora surrounded by tall oak trees, echoing Helen and César Chávez's appreciation of nature. Symbolizing La Paz's community spirit, this park was a gathering place for over 200 United Farm Workers volunteers, reflecting its role as a communal hub during its peak. -
Stop 3. The Chávez Home
This home symbolizes the sacrifices made by César and Helen to address the hardships endured by farm workers. The home reflects their commitment and personal connection to the struggles faced by laborers, both in their upbringing and their dedication to the cause. -
Stop 4. Cooking & Community
The kitchen was central to César and Helen Chávez's family life. Helen not only preserved the cherished tradition of making tamales on Christmas Eve but also showcased her culinary talents, serving meals for various union events, weddings, and special gatherings, reflecting her culinary prowess and generosity. -
Stop 5. Family Life
Entering César and Helen Chávez's living room is an embrace of familial nostalgia. The space is adorned with family photographs, portraits, and cozy furniture, embodying a gallery of personal history. Despite César's frequent absences, this room held special significance as a place that hosted cherished gatherings with their large family. -
Stop 6. Faith and Spirituality
The living room served as both a communal and private refuge for César and Helen, evident from the crosses on the wall highlighting their deep religious ties. Their Catholic faith was a unifying force, blending personal spirituality with their commitment to the farmworker movement. Spirituality shaped César's non-violent activism and reverence for all life, which he expressed in his affinity for nature, yoga, and vegetarianism. -
Stop 7. A Place of Solace and Strength
The Chávez family home served as more than just a residence; it was a refuge for César Chávez and fellow activists. Through their relentless advocacy for the basic rights of farm workers, the La Paz community became a source of solace and resilience. César's leadership demonstrates the power of humility and steadfast commitment, emphasizing that through perseverence, enduring change is possible.
Voices
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Paul Chávez
Son of César and Helen Chávez
Paul F. Chávez, middle son of César and Helen Chávez, serves as the president of the César Chávez Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation has expanded its reach, providing over 5,000 units of affordable housing, running a radio network reaching 1.5 million listeners, supporting under-resourced students, and maintaining the National Chavez Center. -
Eloise Carrillo
Daughter of César and Helen Chávez
Eloise Carillo, the middle daughter of Helen and César Chávez, has dedicated over 35 years to education in the Delano Joint Union High School District. Eloise volunteers at the National Chávez Center and serves on the board of the César Chávez Foundation. -
Anthony Chávez
Son of César and Helen Chávez
Anthony Chávez, the youngest son of César and Helen Chávez, has devoted his life to the advancement of farmworkers. Residing in Keene, California, Anthony has been deeply influenced by his family's legacy and carries forward their mission. -
Miranda Hernandez
Park Ranger
Miranda Hernandez serves as the Educational and Interpretation Ranger at the César E. Chávez National Monument, guiding visitors through the site and shedding light on the Chávez family legacy and the United Farm Worker movement. Committed to education, she helps visitors delve into the significant contributions of labor movements and grasp the enduring impact of their efforts.
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About the Project
In the spring of 2021, CyArk documented portions of the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California. This monument centers on the historic community of La Paz, where Chávez lived and worked with his family and hundreds of United Farm Work volunteers for over 20 years. The 3D documentation focused on the Chávez family home and was used to create an interactive guided tour to make this site virtually accessible to anyone wanting to learn more about the farm workers movement and the legacy of civil rights in the United States. CyArk worked with the National Park Service and members of the Chávez family to share the history of the site and personal memories associated with the movement and growing up in La Paz.
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Credits
This Tapestry tour was made possible with support from Iron Mountain.
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