The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum in City of Industry, California, tells the story of the region from the Mexican rancho era through the 1920s. Its historic houses, cemetery and gardens make it a place to explore local history on a guided tour or a self-guided cemetery visit.
- Location: 15415 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745
- Public tours: free tours Friday through Sunday, except the fourth weekend of the month
- Historic houses: accessible only by guided tour
What to see at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum
The museum’s grounds bring together historic homes, a family cemetery, gardens and a gallery to tell the story of the area. The site is a City of Industry Historic-Cultural Landmark, and the museum is owned and funded by the city and managed by Historical Resources, Inc.
The main historic buildings are the Workman House and La Casa Nueva. William and Nicolasa Workman emigrated to the area from Taos, New Mexico, in 1841. After several years of restoration, the museum opened in May 1981.
El Campo Santo is the Workman family cemetery, established in the 1850s. Its mausoleum was built by the Temples in 1921 and is the final resting place of Pío Pico, the last governor of Mexican California. The cemetery can be visited without joining a house tour.
The collection contains more than 30,000 objects and can be searched online. If you want to see an object in person, contact the museum director to arrange an appointment.
How do tours, hours and admission work?
Free public tours run Friday through Sunday, except on the fourth weekend of the month, and the historic houses can be seen only with a guide. Tour sizes are limited, and admission is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive with time to ask about availability.
Opening hours
- Friday to Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
- Monday to Thursday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Reservations are not needed for individual visitors unless your group has 10 or more people. Groups of that size should schedule a tour; scheduled group visits can be arranged any day of the week between 10 a.m. and noon. The museum lists its phone number as (626) 968-8492.
The cemetery is available for self-guided visits, but the museum and city publish different cemetery hours. Check the official site before you go to confirm tour availability and current visiting hours.
How do you get to the museum?
Industry Inn & Suites is about an 8-minute drive from the museum; the hotel puts the drive within reach for a visit. The museum’s address is 15415 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745.
The National Park Service identifies the museum as a certified site on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and places it 20 miles east of Los Angeles.
Access and visit planning
Most of the site is wheelchair accessible, according to the City of Industry. Since tour sizes are limited and house access is guided, ask the museum about access needs and tour availability when planning your visit.
Set aside time for the guided house tour and, if you want to see it, a separate walk through El Campo Santo. The site’s houses and cemetery tell different parts of the family and regional story, while the gardens and gallery round out the visit.
FAQs
Is admission to the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum free?
Public tours are free. Tour sizes are limited, and admission is first-come, first-served.
Can you visit the historic houses without a tour?
No. The museum says the historic houses can be seen only on a guided tour. El Campo Santo cemetery is available for self-guided visits.
Do you need a reservation for a museum tour?
Individual visitors generally do not need reservations. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a tour with the museum.
When are public tours offered?
Free public tours are offered Friday through Sunday, except the fourth weekend of the month. Check the official site before you go for current details.