Villa La Paz

The main entrance of Villa La Paz.

NPS photo

Quick Facts

MANAGED BY:

National Chavez Center

Amenities

8 listed

Audio Description, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

As the second of two hospitals and one of the largest buildings on the property, Villa la Paz played a key role in organizing and educating people who came here to join the cause. Cesar used this building as an educational center where activists learned techniques that promoted the goals of the farmworker movement. Here, thousands of people learned the principles of nonviolence and the skills to administer a growing organization. However, the building's early history brought unhappy memories to Helen Chavez. It was originally built as a children's hospital and Helen was brought here as a child, separated from her family for nearly a year. This unpleasant experience made her initially reluctant to move back here when Cesar acquired the property. Operated by the National Chavez Center, today Villa la Paz is a conference and education center that hosts a variety of gatherings.