Saturday, November 7; 2pm-3pm
Skylight Talks: Murder, Marriage & Making a Life in a Changing California
A marriage. A murder. A political feud. A disputed land claim.
Join us for the next Skylight Talk, exploring the lives of Anita Cooper and Herman Wohler and the dramatic events surrounding them in 19th-century California.
From Monterey's transformation after statehood to land disputes, and family connections, their story reveals a fascinating chapter in California history.
FREE
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Friday, December 11 + Saturday, December 12; 5pm-9pm
42nd Annual Christmas in the Adobes
As a partner site, we are thrilled to welcome locals and visitors to explore Cooper-Molera Adobe during the 42nd Annual Christmas in the Adobes.
Add some Monterey magic to your Christmas at the 42nd Annual Christmas in the Adobes. For two festive evenings, Monterey’s historic adobes will glow with the warmth of luminarias, holiday décor, festive music and refreshments. Celebrate the season, connect with the community and experience the traditions and history of early Monterey at this beloved annual event. Fundraiser for the Monterey State Historic Park's education programs. Cooper-Molera Adobe is a partner of CITA and a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More information.
Ticket Pricing:
Adult, Single-Night Ticket: $30
Adult, Two-Night Gold Pass: $45
Youth (17 and under): Free
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Tuesday, December 15; 4pm-7pm
Old Town Monterey Navidad
Hidden Stewards: Documentation Photography of the Cooper-Molera Restoration by Marcia F. DeVoe
Now Open | July 9–September 13, 2026 ~ Extended to Sunday, November 22, 2026
Step behind the scenes of one of Monterey’s most significant preservation projects with Hidden Stewards: Documentation Photography of the Cooper-Molera Restoration by Marcia F. DeVoe.
Guest curated by Artist/Preparator Megan Goodwin, this new exhibition showcases the remarkable photographs of Marcia F. DeVoe, whose volunteer work documented the restoration of Cooper-Molera Adobe, led by California State Parks, from 1976–1985. Through her lens, discover the archaeology, architecture, and the often-overlooked people—especially the women—whose dedication helped preserve this National Trust Historic Site for future generations.
The exhibition is included with general museum admission and is on view July 9 through September 13, 2026. Museum open Thursdays-Sundays, 10:00am-2:00pm.
Exhibition is kindly supported by the Marcia F. DeVoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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Images courtesy of California State Parks, 2026.
Weekly Wellness Programs
Mondays at 10:00am with Liana Olson, Senior Trainer with the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Class location: garden level or indoor Skylight Room (weather-permitting). Drop in for one-class or pay for a 6-session class series.
Tai Chi for Beginners was designed by Dr. Lam and his team of tai chi experts. Starting on July 27, Liana Olson will offer the Yang Style 24 Forms. The Yang Style 24 Forms is the most popular Tai Chi set practiced around the world today. If you have seen groups practicing Tai Chi in parks over the years, they were probably practicing the 24 Forms. It was created in 1956 when 4 well known tai chi experts were permitted to condense the 108 Classical Yang Style Form to 24 Forms.
This program is learner-friendly and will progress steadily as participants gain strength with warm-ups, tai chi principles, fundamentals and foundational movements. Repetition of footwork and forms makes this set easy to learn, and it can be practiced by almost anyone. This program fosters enjoyment and better health and harmony through the power of chi. It is both a safe and satisfying program. To learn more, watch the video, Anyone Can Learn Tai Chi, here.
What to Prepare:
-Please wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and dress in layers.
-Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign class waiver and sign-in.
Fees:
$10 (drop-in fee) or $48 for a 6-session class pass. Pay instructor directly.
Note: On Hold due to Family Emergency.
Join us for Qigong in the Cooper Gardens! Tuesdays at 11:00am with Michelle Polkabla of Ocean Body Works will offer an hour-long Qigong session.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice “that combined gentle movements, breath-work, and meditation to cultivate balance, harmony, and vitality in the body, mind, and soul…”.
$15 per class. Pay instructor directly.
No experience necessary. All physical levels are welcome. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. Entrance is through Munras Avenue or Polk Street gates.
Street parking or metered lots available.
Venue Rental
To inquire about renting our Historic House Museum or Garden Spaces, please contact our main line at:
831-259-4513, email: KLee-Garcia@savingplaces.org or complete Event Inquiry Form here.
