The César E. Chávez National Monument preserves the home, work sites, and legacy of César E. Chávez, the renowned Latino labor leader and civil rights activist. Located in Keene, California, the monument honors his lasting impact on the farmworker movement and social justice in America.

Overview

The César E. Chávez National Monument is located in Keene, California, about 30 miles southeast of Bakersfield via Highway 58. It encompasses the Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace) campus, which was the home and headquarters of César Chávez and the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. The site served as the epicenter of the farm labor movement during the 1960s and beyond, where strategies for nonviolent protest and union activism were developed and coordinated.

The monument was established to preserve the physical space where Chávez and his family lived and worked, as well as to commemorate the broader struggle for farmworker rights and social justice.
It includes a visitor center, memorial gardens, and other areas that highlight Chávez's life, achievements, and the ongoing mission of the labor movement he led.
The site remains active, with some areas still used by organizations continuing Chávez’s work, while others are open for public education and reflection .

History

César E. Chávez (1927–1993) was a pivotal figure in American labor history, leading the fight for better wages, working conditions, and rights for farmworkers. His leadership brought national and international attention to the plight of agricultural laborers, many of whom were Latino and marginalized.

The Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz campus was established in the late 1960s as the headquarters for the UFW, becoming the command center for strikes, boycotts, and community organizing.
Over the decades, the site witnessed historic events, including the Delano grape strike and national boycotts that transformed labor laws and public awareness.
After Chávez’s death, efforts were made to preserve this site as a national monument to ensure that future generations would remember and learn from his legacy.
The monument was officially designated by President Barack Obama on October 8, 2012, recognizing Chávez’s enduring influence on civil rights and labor movements in the United States .

Visitor Information

The César E. Chávez National Monument offers visitors a chance to learn about Chávez’s life, the farmworker movement, and ongoing efforts for social justice.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is open to the public and provides exhibits and information about Chávez’s life and the history of the farmworker movement. The Cesar Chavez Foundation operates a bookstore within the center, offering books and merchandise related to Chávez and his cause. These items are also available online through the foundation’s store.

Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Memorial Garden & Desert Garden

The Memorial Garden is the final resting place of César Chávez, where visitors can pay their respects. Nearby, the Desert Garden offers a peaceful environment reflecting Chávez’s commitment to simplicity and nature. Both gardens are located within the La Paz campus.

Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (La Paz)

While the Visitor Center and gardens are accessible, other parts of the La Paz site remain closed to the public to respect the privacy of residents and organizations still working from the site. La Paz continues to be a living center for labor activism and community work.

Additional Information

The monument is a work in progress, with new exhibits and educational programs being developed.
For those unable to visit in person, a virtual tour is available, offering an online exploration of the monument’s key features .

Location & Directions

Address: PO Box 201, Keene, CA
Directions: The monument is located in Keene, California. From Bakersfield, take Highway 58 southeast for about 30 miles. Signage will direct you to the visitor center and main areas of the monument .

Contact Information

Phone: 661-823-
Website: https://www.nps.gov/cech/
Email: Available through the NPS contact page for the monument .

Legacy

César E. Chávez is celebrated as one of the most important Latino leaders in 20th-century America. His philosophy of nonviolence, dedication to labor rights, and ability to mobilize communities left a permanent mark on American society.

The monument ensures that his contributions to labor justice, civil rights, and community empowerment are remembered and taught to future generations.
It serves as both a historical site and an inspiration for ongoing social justice movements across the country.
Educational programs, exhibits, and events held at the monument continue to promote Chávez’s message of hope, perseverance, and equality .

Plan Your Visit

Visitors interested in exploring the monument can find additional resources to plan their visit, including maps, alerts, and event calendars, on the National Park Service website.

Additional Resources

The César E. Chávez National Monument stands as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the enduring fight for justice and dignity for all workers.

Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Monuments

César E. Chávez National Monument