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We preserve, promote, and share the history and legacy of the Mission Inn

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 

The Historic Mission Inn Corporation (the owners of the Mission Inn hotel) has rescinded its permission to the Mission Inn Foundation to conduct more than three tours a day of the Mission Inn.  Unfortunately, this means we are now required to cancel many tours beginning December 4 th  , and are required to remove many previously offered tour times. We’re incredibly sorry for the inconvenience to your holiday plans.  Our museum store remains open with a great selection of Mission Inn & Riverside gifts, and our newest exhibition, “Wish You Were Here, A Century of Mission Inn Postcards” is now open free to the public.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can read more details about the situation at  https://missioninnmuseum.org/about/save-mission-inn-museum/

Thank you, 

Mission Inn Foundation staff

The Mission Inn Foundation offers tours led by trained docents on the art, artifacts, architecture, and history of the Mission Inn.  Reservations are highly recommended as we only take a limited number of guests per tour. Please purchase tickets online here. Seasonal prices subject to change.  For additional questions or concerns, call us at 951-788-9556.  

Landmark Walking Tour – This 75 minute walking tour explores the interior of the National Historic Landmark Mission Inn Hotel, offering the opportunity to see parts of the hotel which are normally inaccessible to the general public, based on availability.  Experience over 120 years of history within the grand rooms of the Mission Inn.

• Tours are subject to availability.
• Tour dates/times are transferable up to 24 hours prior to tour time.
• Tour tickets are nonrefundable,  but  are transferable up to 24 hours prior to tour time.  
• No food/drink allowed on any tour. The only exception is water which must be in a container with a lid.
• Service animals only.
• Tour route subject to change 
• At the request of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, no photography will be allowed on this tour . This includes cellular phone cameras and all other small portable electronic devices, which docents will request to be turned off for the duration of the tour.

Purchase Tickets

Private tours , (no longer available due to hotel management action).

Would you like a private tour for your party? A private group tour is the perfect option for your family group, office excursion, or wedding guests. Specialty tours may be available for an extra cost (e.g., Photography, Art. Architecture, etc.)* Please contact Nanci Larsen to book your group tour 951-781-8241, larsen(at)missioninnmuseum.org .

*Advance reservations and a 50% deposit are required for group tours. Discounted rates may be available for groups of 25 or more. School tours are not available during the Festival of Lights (late November-early January). 

Field Trips to the Mission inn 

(no longer available due to hotel management action).

The Mission Inn Foundation would love your school group of grades three and up to tour the Mission Inn. The tour is a 60-minute walking tour that explores the interior of the National Historic Landmark Mission Inn Hotel, offering the opportunity to see parts of the hotel which are normally inaccessible to the general public, based on availability. Students learn the history of Riverside tied to Mission Inn founder Frank Miller. Tours are $3 per student or teacher and up to one chaperone for every six students. Chaperones beyond the 1:6 ratio are still welcome; however, they will need to purchase a discounted $10 tour ticket.  

Schools may pair their visit to the Mission Inn with pre/post lesson plans provided in our Traveling Trunk Program. More information on the Traveling Trunk Program here.

Title 1 Schools

Tours are free for all students and teachers of Title 1 schools and up to one chaperone for every six students. Chaperones beyond the 1:6 ratio are still welcome; however, they will need to purchase a discounted $10 tour ticket. The Mission Inn Foundation is providing bus scholarships of up $350 as a reimbursement for ten title one schools to visit the Mission Inn during the 2021/2022 school year through the generous support of the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. 

Please note, the ten bus scholarships are available on a first come-first served basis.

GEneral information                                                                                                                                                                              

The Mission Inn Foundation Office is open Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For special events, or research inquiries, please call 951-781-8241.

The Mission Inn Museum and Museum Store is open daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with extended hours for Riverside Arts Walk on the first Thursday of each month and during the Festival of Lights holiday season. For daily tours, exhibition information, or general visitor resources, please call 951-788-9556.  

If you require first aid in the museum, please contact the staff person at the desk. If you require assistance during the tour, please let your lead or assisting docent know and they will contact Hotel security.

Address & Museum Phone

The Mission Inn Museum 3696 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501

Phone: (951) 788-9556

Accessibility

The Mission Inn Museum is always happy to accommodate our guests with disabilities. Please be sure to let us know how we can help you when making your tour reservation.

Amenities for Children

Baby strollers are permitted in the museum and on tours, however, please keep in mind that some doorways are very narrow and unable to accommodate very wide strollers. Please check at the Museum Desk for further guidance.

Photography Policy

For press and other special photography, including filming and videotape projects, call the Hotel at (951) 784-0300 during business hours.

Lost and Found

Inquire at the Museum Desk about lost belongings. If you have left something behind at the Museum, call 951-788-9556.

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Annual Mission Tours Support and Inspire Missionaries and Mission Leadership Couples

Contributed By Scott Taylor, Church News managing editor

• 22 January 2020

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen teaches missionaries during an October 31, 2019, mission tour conference meeting with the Canada Calgary Mission in Calgary, Canada.   Photo by Scott Taylor.

Article Highlights

• Mission tours help missionaries know they are loved and what goals leaders have set.
• Visiting leaders also strengthen and edify the mission leadership couple.

“I keep learning that this is not our work; it’s the work of a loving Heavenly Father who cares about all of His children and the work carried out by His Only Begotten Son, even the Lord Jesus Christ.” —Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Seventy

Related Links

• Seventies Conduct Hundreds of Mission Tours Worldwide Each Year. What Are They?

Editor’s note: In late 2019, the Church News followed two General Authority Seventies and their wives on mission tours and interviewed a third prior to his conducting two similar tours. Elder Brent H. Nielson, the executive director of the Missionary Department, toured the Tennessee Nashville Mission, while Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, an assistant executive director in the department, toured the Calgary Canada Mission. Elder Craig C. Christensen, the President of the Utah Area, who at times helps conduct mission tours internationally, conducted back-to-back tours in Mexico.

While conducting a mission tour on the Tongan island of Ha‘apai several years ago, Elder S. Gifford Nielsen asked missionaries there what recent general conference talk had touched them. One young elder cited how a talk mentioning challenges in life had resonated with him.

Arranging a private one-on-one interview later in the day, the General Authority Seventy asked the elder to share more of why that certain talk was meaningful. “That’s who I was before I came on my mission, and then my good stake president saved me and my family,” came the response.

A little more probing revealed the missionary was from a stake in the United States, a stake where Elder Nielsen previously had been a part of the process of interviewing individuals and seeking a spiritual confirmation in calling a new stake president.

Calling the incident and exchange “miraculous,” Elder Nielsen says similar impactful experiences with missionaries—and mission presidents and their companions—during mission tours “happen all the time.”

“I keep learning that this is not our work; it’s the work of a loving Heavenly Father who cares about all of His children and the work carried out by His Only Begotten Son, even the Lord Jesus Christ. We work through His apostles and prophets. When we have our hearts open, amazing things happen.”

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, an assistant executive director in the Missionary Department, interviews an elder following Canada Calgary Mission tour meetings on October 31, 2019, in Calgary, Canada. Photo by Scott Taylor.

A Grateful Witness to Miracles

Sister Kaitlyn Nugent of the Canada Calgary Mission likened a mission tour to visiting a foreign country. “When you tour a country, you see the things that are famous and important,” she said. “On a mission tour, you see the same things—we’ve been able to see the things that are important and matter most to us as missionaries and a mission presidency.”

Said Sister Corianne Snyder of the Calgary mission, “The mission tour helped me feel the Spirit and have a deeper conversion to Christ and to understand what my purpose is here in this specific mission and at this specific time.”

Elder Robert Perkinson of the Tennessee Nashville Mission has experienced two mission tours. “I felt both times the great love that the visiting authority represents from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Seventies, and the Church in general—how they want us to know we’re loved for being out here serving and to know what their mindset is at and what goals they want us to have.”

Elder Fabio Avanzo of the Nashville mission added how meaningful it was to be taught by General Authorities in mission tours, since he met only one growing up in his native Venezuela: “I got to experience how the Spirit was in the room, how General Authorities could talk to us, and how they testified about missionary work and our Savior, Jesus Christ. And I’ve seen how they act through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Having spent a decade as a General Authority Seventy and the past several years as executive director of the Missionary Department, Elder Brent H. Nielson cites two memorable mission-tour experiences with missionaries.

“‘Elder Nielson, was I not valiant in the pre-existence? Is that why I was sent to the Philippines to live?’” recalled Elder Nielson, noting the missionary was aware of all the past and present Church events and living conditions in the United States. “He wondered if maybe he wasn’t good in the pre-existence and that’s why he was sent to live in the Philippines—not as a missionary but at his birth.”

Elder Nielson called it one of the hardest questions he has ever faced. “I told him, ‘We don’t know all the answers about where we are born on earth, but the fact that you are here tells me that the Lord knew that in spite of difficult living conditions, that you would be faithful and valiant and you could do this.’”

Elder Brent H. Nielson speaks to missionaries during a Tennessee Nashville Mission tour conference session on September 19, 2019, in Brentwood, Tennessee. Photo by Scott Taylor.

He also remembers a mission tour in New Zealand, where a Maori missionary asked if he could “hongi” with the visiting authority. A “hongi” is a traditional Maori greeting when two people face each other, touch their noses together, and breathe deeply as a gesture of unity.

“He showed me and said, ‘I need to take your spirit with me. I need this to be with me as I leave,’” said Elder Nielson, adding with a smile that “we obviously don’t ‘hongi’ in Idaho, . . . but that was one of those experiences where I just really connected with this missionary in his own culture.”

As much as the visiting authorities and their wives are trying to help missionaries learn and understand, the missionaries in turn leave quite an impression on the visitors.

“I have the greatest respect for missionaries and their leaders,” said Sister Wendy Nielsen, Elder Nielsen’s wife. “I feel honored to visit any mission and work together with such dedicated and consecrated servants of the Lord. When I look into the eyes of a group of missionaries, my heart is filled with so much love for them as I realize how much the Savior loves them—which makes me cry—and I try to focus on the message the Lord wants me to share with them.”

Sister Marcia Nielson, wife to Elder Nielson, calls missionary work a brilliant plan. “Young adults who serve a mission learn incredible lessons, and it amazes me what mature and well-thought-out things missionaries share with us. While young adults throughout the world are engaged in accomplishing good things, missionaries are changing the world one convert at a time and changing their own lives for the better in the process. I’m a grateful witness to this miracle. When a mission tour is over, I always want more time to be with the missionaries.”

A Source of Support for Mission Leaders

Mission tours are as much to benefit the mission president and his companion (wife), and the visiting authorities conducting these tours make conscious efforts to strengthen and edify the mission leadership couple.

Sister Nielson says she is “in awe” of the leadership provided by mission presidents and wives worldwide. “I see extreme sacrifice in every case and focused attention on creating disciples. Mission presidents and their wives are the best of the best.” 

Elder Craig C. Christensen recalls the first mission tour—the one the current General Authority Seventy experienced while presiding over a Mexico City mission in 1995. The first-year mission president looked forward to interactions with the visiting authority, seeking insights on how to work with the leaders and members of the many stakes within his mission boundaries.

“Although a mission president has counselors, many times they don’t understand all the ramifications of everything that’s going on,” said Elder Christensen, who now presides over the Utah Area. “So I was anxious just to have someone there to talk to, to ask questions, to get advice from.”

The visiting General Authority spent four days with him and his wife, Sister Debbie Christensen—enough time “that we were able to feel like we were on the right track—a reaffirmation,” he said, expressing the impact of the one-on-one interactions and counseling together.

“And we got to see him and his wife teach missionaries,” he added. “General Authorities teach differently than mission presidents, but you got to see what the focus was. You got to feel the Spirit with them. It was quite a positive experience for us.”

During last fall’s mission tour in the Tennessee Nashville Mission, President Rhys A. Weaver and Sister Pamela Weaver traveled between meetings with Elder and Sister Nielson, as well as Elder James R. Rasband and Sister Mary Rasband, who shadowed the Nielsons as a new General Authority Seventy and wife.

President Rhys A. Weaver of the Tennessee Nashville Mission speaks to his missionaries during a September 19, 2019, mission tour meeting in Brentwood, Tennessee. Photo by Scott Taylor.

Elder Brent H. Nielson, left, and Elder James R. Rasband greet members of the Tennessee Nashville Mission leadership council in a morning meeting as part of a mission tour on September 19, 2019, in Brentwood, Tennessee. Photo by Scott Taylor.

Added President Weaver, appreciative as a first-year mission president: “Elder and Sister Nielson built us up to our missionaries, adding their personal support to our role as their mission leaders. They demonstrated teaching techniques and personal interactions with our missionaries. They lifted us by example and sincere love and support. We were privileged to learn from them and be with them as they ministered to us personally and to our missionaries.” 

For President Stephen A. Keung and Sister Cindy Keung of the Canada Calgary Mission, Elder and Sister Nielsen proved to be an exemplary “companionship” for both them and their missionaries. “They taught effectively together, showed us how to effectively ‘companion study’ together, and were inspired examples of teaching by the Spirit,” President Keung said. “Their love for each other stood out the most—that could be seen not just by their love and affection for each other but also by the way they worked together. Elder Nielsen always sought for and found joy in Sister Nielsen’s inspiring insight and thoughts.”

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen puts his arm around the shoulder of Canada Calgary Mission president Stephen A. Keung in front of missionaries who had welcomed them in song to a series of mission tour meetings on October 31, 2019, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Photo by Scott Taylor.

Said Elder Nielsen: “One of the most beautiful things about our mission tours is to go in and connect with the mission leaders. We love the president and his wife. We really enjoy spending time with them, talking to them, caring about them, praying with them, and putting our arms around them. We know the key to a mission really is the leadership of the mission president and his wife. . . .

“And after a mission tour, you feel like you have two more best friends. You stay connected. They will keep telling you about miracles that have happened in their lives and with their missionaries.”

President Stephen A. Keung of the Canada Calgary Mission speaks to his missionaries during a mission tour meeting on October 31, 2019, in Calgary, Canada, while Sister Wendy Nielsen and Elder S. Gifford Nielsen look on. Photo by Scott Taylor.

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The World Race Gap Year held some of the most challenging months of my life but also some of the most life giving! Before I went on Gap Year I thought I knew Jesus, but after living as a missionary for 7 months, I quickly realized that there was so much more to learn!

Matt Chisenhall

Being a Christian isn’t just about going to church on Sunday morning, but it’s about following God every day and being Obedient to him in every situation and every single day we have the opportunity todo that on the World Race.

Stories from the mission field

Family Is Kingdom | Connor Gaul – World Racer

Posted 12/04/2018.

One Second Everyday for 11 Months! | Krista Booker -World Racer

Posted 11/05/2019.

WHY I GO | Lauren Munson – World Racer

Posted 07/24/2019, see reviews by:, world race updates.

Unveiling the Transformative Power of Mission Work

Cultivating Spiritual Depth: Nurturing Your Relationship with God on the World Race

The Power of Global Community: Forging Lifelong Connections on the World Race

Month 1: Exploring Indigenous Guatemala

BY LINDSEY CROWN | AUG 28, 2021

Snapshots of the DR

BY JENNIFER PARIS | JUN 18, 2021

A Day in the Life (Makarios in the Dominican Republic- World Race 2021)

BY KATIE HAMMOND | MAY 29, 2021

World Race Gap Year: Serving with the Dunamis Foundation

BY ELLIE ZELLER APR 23, 2021

Leaving Our Mark in Costa Rica | World Race in Jaco, Costa Rica

BY MICAH TORGERSON MAR 21, 2021

World Race Gap Year: Dear Day 1 Racer..

BY ELLIE ZELLER MAR 12, 2021

You’re at a pivotal point in your life. You want to be who God created you to be and make the right steps that will impact the rest of your life. You’re not alone!

That’s why we created our World Race Semesters Opportunities. We have sent over 132,000 people on mission trips all over the world. The World Race has helped them begin to live in the calling God has for them.

Here are 3 next steps you can take to get to know us and help you select your mission trip.

Why We Love The World Race

Want to go on a mission trip but not sure which one? Learn why you should do a mission trip with us.

21 Day Devotional

Ask an Alumni

The World Race sounds pretty awesome, right? So what’s stopping you? Here are the most common concerns we hear:

Yeah, it sounds like a lot. We’ve led thousands of people on this journey of fundraising, and even though it’s hard work, it’s totally possible. We’ll guide you through the process! Don’t let this fear stop you from pursuing the Lord’s oall on your life!

Each World Race program is priced separately according to the trip and route; you can find the price of each trip by visiting the “Trips” page .

We encourage Racers to connect with a community of supporters for both prayer and financial support. We understand raising money can be intimidating, so we have Admissions Advisors committed to help you through the support raising process. (For more information, Fundraising 101 .)

If you’re worried about finances, don’t be. Over the years, we’ve learned time and time again when God calls, He provides. Still concerned? Check out this video for Our Top 5 Favorite Ways to Fundraise .

Yeah, we’ve heard that too! And sometimes, it can be true. We’re committed to doing mission trips well. In truth, both the long-term missionary and the short-term mission team bring a gift to the throne of our Lord. Long-term missionaries bring direction. Short-term missionaries bring velocity. Often our long-term partners are greatly encouraged by the infusion of life and resources into their ministry that short-term teams bring. It is the person with a long-term commitment to a community who plants a church and disciples its members. The relationships and vision they provide are essential. They are like the rudder on the ship, providing direction, steering the course. Short-term missionaries can be the wind in the sails which give velocity and thrust to the enterprise. They bring with them resources, a prayer base, and tremendous enthusiasm.

Check out this two-part series on the case for short term missions:

Part 1 Part 2

There is an online application process for all our World Race programs. Once you’ve submitted an application and paid the $49 fee, you can select your trip and route preference and schedule a phone interview.

We prayerfully review applications and look forward to learning more about you during the phone interview. By completing this interview, you are not committing to participate in a World Race program. However, as you complete these steps, it will help you decide if the Race is for you.

If accepted, you will secure your spot with a deposit, which also serves as your first donation.

After committing to a route, you’ll be connected with an Admissions Advisor. All of our Advisors on staff are alumni Racers, and their job is to help you with the planning, fundraising, and logistical information you need to prepare to go.

Yes! We do accept international applicants. However, due to the many obstacles including increased cost and complex, varying visa requirements, non-US applicants must coordinate additional logistics, including travel to and from Training Camp, and visas for each destination country.

All trip fees and charges must be paid in US dollars and tax deductions are only available for US residents. Non-US applicants must be fluent in English. Contact us for more details and to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Each day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, evangelism outreach, relationship building, or praying for the sick. Some days could be slower –shopping for groceries at the market or spending time in prayer for the community and ministry.

Check out the World Race vlog. In this 13 episode vlog, we follow a World Race squad around the world. See first hand what it’s like to be on the World Race.

Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God’s Kingdom work. Just Contact Us and we’d be happy to share our stories about life on the Race!

The World Race is a program of the interdenominational mission organization Adventures in Missions (Also known as Adventures).

Our staff and leaders come from a wide range of Christian churches and denominations. Read our statement of beliefs for a deeper look at what we believe.

With the different backgrounds of our staff, our Racers, and the ministry partners we serve alongside, you will most likely experience worship styles, Bible teachings, and Christian community different than you’ve previously experienced. We encourage you to dig into Scripture and have ongoing conversations about these things. We love this picture of the body of Christ coming together, united in purpose to bring Jesus to the nations.

We recognize travel brings risk. We have worked hard to put extensive safety protocols in place. But, all Racers need to consider things happen that we can’t predict. People get sick and accidents happen. It is likely you will meet people suffering from a variety of diseases.

To address the issues we face, we have an experienced risk management team. They monitor political, health, weather, and other risks in the regions where we serve. This information includes the U.S. State Department travel warnings. All Racers have a travel insurance policy. The insurance company works closely with us to ensure you will receive the care you need. For more information about the insurance policy, click here .

We have external consultants who assist us in designing and managing our training and field implementation for safety protocols. Our internal risk management team creates contingency plans as needed so we are ready to move teams quickly if the need arises. We also have an extensive network of ministry partners and ministry connections worldwide who provide us with “eyes on the ground” as we assess situations.

Amazing Opportunities Ready to Launch

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Go deeper with God than you ever imagined possible.

Start your journey. Apply now for the World Race.

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Upcoming SMRC Mission Tour…

Join us on a 6-day tour to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, where we will visit the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas in Santa Fe, Pecos National Historical Park, San Miguel del Vado, the Tapestry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Villanueva, and more. On the way home, we will spend time in Mesilla and Las Cruces where we will enjoy a tour and wine tasting at Rio Grande Winery and a visit to the Chile Pepper Institute at NMSU. As with all SMRC tours, there will be lots of good food along the way! To register, contact Monica Young at 520-621-6278 or [email protected]. You won’t want to miss this special tour!

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The main aim Mission Tours & Travel was established was as a way to give back to God while helping the community. We have been able to achieve this through collaboration with churches, corporates, schools and different organizations from all walks of life. As an add-on, we also take missionaries on safaris around Kenya.

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4 Days 3 Nights Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Safari

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Cru Summer Mission Trips

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God is moving all over the world, and He invites you to be a part of something extraordinary.  Discover how to live out your unique design as you grow in your faith, experience community on mission, and make an eternal impact by helping people know Jesus on a summer mission! 

This summer, thousands of students will go around the world with Cru.  Learn more about how your passions align with a one- to 12-week summer mission.  Come be part of something extraordinary!

Learn more about Cru summer missions, FAQ’s and more.

Not sure where to go? We can help you!

Applications open november 1, 2023.

As a parent, you love your children and want them to be safe and well cared for as they grow into adulthood. Click below for more information on Cru’s safety measures, and how we care for students’ personal and spiritual well being on summer missions.

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Join our Kenya Safari and Mission Tour! October 11 – 25, 2024

Join us for our next tour!

To learn more about this exciting tour, contact Debby Stephens using the form below or call her at 1.800.254.0010.

“I think one of the things I most appreciated about the trip is that it made missions real to me. I now pray with a new intensity…”

– KAY, TOUR GUEST

METour (Mission Education Tour)

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Our next life-changing tour will take place in 2025 ., we're working on an exciting experience. it will be worth the wait.

For more information, please contact the METour director, Venedith Vargas , or via phone at 308-352-8085

What is the Mission Education Tour (METour)?

The METour (Mission Education Tour) is a multi-day mission experience for young women sponsored by the Great Plains United Methodist Women. METour participants have the opportunity to engage in mission, learn about United Methodist Women and experience the United Methodist connection by visiting and working at National Mission Institutions, Volunteer in Mission sites and United Methodist-related agencies. It's so much more than a mission trip!

METour is open to young women in the Great Plains Conference ages 15-20. Local UMW organizations have the opportunity to sponsor and support young women on the tour. Total cost for the experience is $550 per person. 

For more information about the METour please contact the METour director, Venedith Vargas,  at  [email protected] or via phone at 308-352-8085.

History of the METour

Louise Dutcher Johnson began what today is known as the METour (Mission Education Tour) in the Legacy Kansas West Conference of The Methodist Church. Her college major was sociology and she was torn between a career in social service  or as a Methodist Deaconess.

While growing up in Kansas, she had been unaware of the rich opportunities for Christian Service through the Methodist Church. It was while she was teaching on the staff of the Kansas City National Training School for Missionaries and Deaconesses of the Woman’s Home Missionary Society that she realized the two could be combined.

Louise became a Deaconess. In 1950 she was serving as the Conference Director of Youth Work and was an ex officio member of the conference Woman's Society of Christian Service executive committee. The women had been challenged  by the Boys' Work Committee of the Conference to provide some kind of trip for girls similar to the Boys' Travel Camp.

It was during this time, that Louise came up with the idea of taking a bus load of girls on a tour to nearby states to see firsthand the wide variety of social services carried out by the Women's Society of Christian Service. Her idea for a mission tour was approved.

Girls were to be chosen equally from the seven districts involving the Secretaries of Youth and Missionary in the selection.  The Wesleyan Service Guild was invited to participate in the project with the Conference Guild Secretary serving on the planning committee. A representative of the Guild from each district was eligible to go on the tour.

The first trip was three weeks long and was planned around places where former students and Deaconess friends of Louise worked. They went from Wichita to Oklahoma City, Anadarko, Dallas, Fort Worth, Carlsbad Caverns, El Paso, Albuquerque, Farmington, and back to Wichita via Native Americans in Oklahoma and the Navajos at Farmington. They visited schools, community centers, the maternity center and hospital in Friendship Square in El Paso, as well as the contrasting program of Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas, a very large, affluent church.

Based on the enthusiasm of the girls and the educational fringe benefits to the churches as a result of the girls sharing their experiences with Methodist Youth Fellowship and WSCS groups throughout the Conference, it was decided to make the trip an Annual Event. They decided on a three-year cycle of trips going in a different direction each year. The goal was to provide young women, the opportunity to become aware careers in Christian Service in the Methodist Church.

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Welcome to Mission US

Serious history, serious games, casting call for new mission, spirit of a nation.

We are currently accepting auditions for our next mission focused on the experience of Indigenous people in the 1500s and 1600s.

a note to parents and teachers

Mission US is committed to teaching complex topics in American history. We recommend that educators and parents/caregivers preview game content to ensure it is appropriate for your students/children.

A note to parents and teachers

Developed for use by middle school students in the classroom and beyond, Mission US is a deeply-researched, award-winning educational media project with proven positive impact on history learning.

Mission US is part of an expanding body of “serious games” that immerse users in historical and contemporary problems in ways that encourage perspective-taking, discussion, and weighing of multiple kinds of evidence.

The missions are not simulations, nor truly games in the sense that there is no “winning” or “losing,” nor do users get a score or grade. The games are sophisticated interactive narratives grounded in historical scholarship, developed in collaboration with community stakeholders and scholars who are experts in the historical periods that are depicted. We also conduct formative testing with diverse students, and involve educators who help ensure that the material is developmentally and academically appropriate for children in the target age group, grades 5-8.

In addition to serving a growing base of more than three million users in all fifty states, Mission US has garnered praise from educators, parents, students, and critics, and received endorsements from Common Sense Media, the Parents’ Choice Award, the Japan Prize for Educational Media, the International Serious Play Awards, and the Games for Change Award for “Most Significant Impact.” Research has shown that the series increases students’ history knowledge and skills, and is especially effective for reaching struggling learners who have difficulty learning from a textbook.

Before integrating a mission into the curriculum, we strongly encourage parents and educators to preview the entirety of that mission themselves, and make certain it is appropriate for their children/students and community. In the TEACH section of this website, we have provided a vast array of background information, activities, discussion starters, primary source documents, suggestions for further reading and research, and other resources to assist in contextualizing missions for students and helping them to understand the difficult choices and circumstances faced by Americans of different backgrounds.

To learn more about Mission US and our development process, visit the ABOUT section of this website and, as always, please feel free to reach out to the Mission US team at [email protected] .

Play Mission Us

1770 the american revolution

For crown or colony.

1866 westward expansion

A cheyenne odyssey.

1907 THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

City of immigrants.

1929 THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Up from the dust.

1941 WORLD WAR II

Prisoner in my homeland.

1960 The Civil Rights Movement

No turning back.

1848 the antebellum era

Flight to freedom.

Teach mission us

Mission US includes extensive teaching materials for each mission. The educator guides feature:

Mission Preview

Classroom activities, overview information, classroom videos, historical background, primary sources & resources, what people are saying about mission us.

“I can’t even express how incredible the whole of @Mission_US is. I used it with students for many years. It is moving and exceptional. I cannot recommend it enough. It is designed for students, but I love it with my heart and so have the adults I know who have played it. The teaching materials (free!) are impeccable. From awareness and basic understanding, to a multitude of writing prompts and primary sources, to connections to current events, they are amazing!”

Carrie Garrett , School librarian and teacher of 27 years, Lexington, KY

“I have used parts of it in 7th grade Social Studies class for several years now and have been consistently impressed by the quality of the content and support materials… My students were very engaged by the game and often played it on their own at home and/or play it multiple times. They identified with the characters and had a much better understanding of the events that they “experienced” in the game. This, combined with the quality of the content, has convinced me that gaming can (and will?) have a place in education.”

Anneke Radin-Snaith , Living is Learning, Educator/Blogger

“I just want to give your team a sincere thank you for creating the Mission US modules. I shared the lessons with my 11 year old son and he played both modules with boy characters and helped his sister with the two ‘girl’ modules…for fun! He wanted to keep playing and playing. He enthusiastically completed every piece of the modules, even the knowledge reviews…voluntarily…on his own! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him and his sister interact with the lessons. I know they are both better off for having completed them. I highly recommend your team’s Mission US to any family with middle school-aged students.”

Miriam Pacheco Plaza‎ , Parent

“Dear Mission US, Thank you so much for creating your website! Your games are super fun. I am a 6th grader and, your games made me love history more and made me want to learn a lot more about history! Completing your missions made me feel like I was in that part of history, and was part of it. But now that I have completed all of your missions, and watched all of the videos, I have nothing to do after school. So because me and many other kids love history, PLEASE, make a 4th, and 5th, and 6th mission,and on and on, and on. PLEASE!!!!!! Thank you sooooo much!”

Bailey P , Student

“Students, even those who identified themselves as not liking history at all, fell in love with mission-us.org. You know you have a great product when moans of ‘NOOOOOO’ fill the room when you say it is time to move on. The content knowledge students gained from the simulations allowed for much deeper discussion than I have experienced at the fifth-grade level. I will (along with my team) definitely make mission-us.org a part of my curriculum.”

Reviewer , Teachers’ Choice Awards

“These Missions are the best lessons I’ve ever found in any subject area, the most motivational, most flexible and thoroughly supported with background material. I will recommend these often as a great example of what modern schooling should look like.”

Steve Reiner , Teacher

“I teach United States History to new immigrant students (ELLs) at The Brooklyn International High School in Brooklyn, NY. I can’t tell you how much I LOVE your simulations and what an asset it has been for my ELL students. What a way to bring the history alive for them and give them more context than I’m able to provide. They struggle with the games but stick with it and enjoy while learning and reinforcing the concepts and ideas we talk about in class… Thank you for the assistance to my class and my students in learning and enjoying US history.”

Scott Jackson , Teacher, Brooklyn, NY

“I’ve been using MUS in my 7th grade social studies class for about 4-5 years. An excellent engagement tool with an abundance of supporting resources! I constantly introduce the wonderfulness of MUS to teachers! Thank you!”

April Hinds , Teacher

“I teach 4th grade in CO and this addresses our learning targets in ways I would never be able to reach my students through any other typical medium. THANK YOU! This ‘game’ was totally amazing! It teaches history in an empathetic way– I can’t WAIT to use it in my classroom next year!!! I love the simple, but real graphics, the authentic voices, and the true consequences good/bad to my choices as I play.”

Colleen Rafferty , Teacher, Colorado

“I am an educator from Oklahoma and a Cheyenne… I appreciate your efforts of providing a perspective of the Cheyenne in Mission 3. Often times, our perspective is omitted or minimized in US history. I taught US history and I believed students should always learn as many perspectives as possible… I would certainly forward this to teachers and, history teachers in particular.”

Funston Whiteman , High school assistant principal

“I’m 12 and I really like both of your missions I have completed them. I’m wondering if you could make more, though,the sad thing is that most schools don’t teach in this way…The textbooks just don’t engage kids. if my school would put this in the classroom kids might like history more.”

Ben , Student

“I have really enjoyed using these activities with my students… We did each part, discussed it, and I used several of the resource work-sheets to check for comprehension. This is also a great way to teach perspective. Each student shared what they did, the decisions they made, and their fate and perspective… ALL students, regardless of their academic level, were totally engaged throughout the entire time we used this activity. I hope you will do another in the upcoming years.”

Debbie B. Miller , 5th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Somerset, KY

“Just wanted to say thank you for putting together this wonderful website and having it free of charge too! My son (11yrs old) is homeschooled and he has been enjoying the missions all day today. The only problem I have with it is that I can’t get him to stop for other subjects!!! Design and mechanics of the missions are so well done and the educational subject matter is presented in an interesting and engaging way. Love it! Keep up the great work and thank you again.”

Elaine , Homeschooling parent

“I simply wanted to write and thank you for creating such a truly wonderful and immersing mission about the American Revolution. My 8th graders absolutely loved playing today, and at least one went straight home and finished the whole mission. My last period class was so completely absorbed in the mission that I think I could have left and they wouldn’t have noticed for a good half hour… It shows many different perspectives regarding the tensions and eventual conflict, and kids don’t even realize how much they’re learning. Kudos to you all!”

Doug Griffith , Teacher, Statesville, NC

“I’ve been playing mission-us since I was in 8th grade and right now I’m currently a junior. I really enjoy all four missions because it helps you get a feel of the historical era people in the past had dealt with. I also like how we get to choose certain paths for the characters. I really hope this program continues to make different missions because I enjoy all of them.”

Austin , Student

“Games can truly place students in the past / build an emotional connection to the past as well as going to a location. My students constantly bring up what happened to their characters in the @Mission_US games! … I embed the parts throughout my units, which gives kids a concrete basis for more abstract ideas. Their teachers’ guides are amazing, too.”

Michelle Moses , Teacher

“I just wanted to send a thank you for creating this game! My students cheer when they hear we are heading to the computer lab to play. This is the best interactive way for the students to really see what life was like in these time periods, and how their decisions affect the history and the lives of these characters. These games are terrific and I would love to see more available.”

Ticey Christenson , Teacher

“I will never forget when I found this website in 5th grade. I am now in 8th grade and about to go into high school. Thank you for being with me all the way.”

Roy , Student

“My students LOVE these simulations and Mission US exposes them to history in a completely different way from reading and traditional research. They are placed in situations where they can truly consider many of the factors that have impacted the history of our country. There is quality information and we all love the use of primary documents throughout the missions. I also have many students whose reading levels are far below grade level yet can access these materials with the aid of the audio voice overs and working with partners on something they are enjoying. Thank you for the activity guides which save me so much time in figuring out how to accomplish this task. I love that you provide editable documents that I can customize for my unique groups! I cannot thank you enough. I hope you continue to develop amazing resources like these that are free to our students.”

Topez Patterson , K-5 technology teacher, P.S. 123Q, New York City

“You’ve managed to do something wonderful with interactions that books, movies, and story-telling can’t always offer, and what’s more you’ve made it available to everyone by providing it in a browser and making it free… I can’t wait to see more productions and would happily volunteer for and support Mission US.”

Rebekah McFarland , Teacher

“I just had to write to say that this is a truly remarkable game and a wonderful way to learn about such a rich time in our country’s history. I hope you make many more of these covering other historical time periods. Kudos to all involved in bringing this to our children. I grew up learning history the old fashioned way – textbooks! This game makes it all come alive in an interesting way that doesn’t speak down to the children. Really appropriate for all ages. Completely well done in all regards.”

Michele Pullman , Teacher

“I love it. — Okay. I was forced to play this for class and we had to answer questions about the decisions we made and it’s due this coming Monday. I ended up playing this and the bonus games sooo many times because it was great and loads of fun. I don’t know how many praises you get but this was great. I look forward to any updates you create. Thanks soooo much for a good, educational way to spend my free time.”

Maci , Student

About mission us.

Mission US is an award-winning educational media project that immerses young people in transformational moments from U.S. history.

Developed for use by middle school students in the classroom and beyond, Mission US is a deeply-researched, award-winning educational media project with proven positive impact on history learning. To date, more than three million registered users across the country have played and learned from Mission US .

Mission US is committed to teaching complicated and sensitive topics in American history. We recommend that teachers/parents preview game content to make sure it is appropriate for their students/children.

Mission San Fernando Rey de España

San Fernando Valley

One of the original chain of Spanish missions, Mission San Fernando dates from 1797, and the rambling grounds include the original 1822 convento, with its 4ft-thick adobe walls and Roman arches showing construction of the time (and enclosing the only known remaining mission wine cellar). There's also a historical museum, replicated church and many gardens.

The gift shop sells saint-themed figurines and medallions, wrought-iron crosses and greeting cards.

15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Mission Hills

Get In Touch

818-361-0186

https://www.missiontour.org

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Mission San Antonio de Padua est. 1771

Jolon • Monterey County, California

La Misión de San Antonio de Padua was founded by Father Junípero Serra on July 14, 1771 as the third mission in California. Though Father Serra moved on, Fathers Miguel Pieras and Buenaventura Sitjar stayed behind to develop the Mission. Unfortunately, the location chosen would periodically flood and the water supply was unreliable. In 1773, the Mission moved to the current location and the first, small church was constructed. In addition, a water system and reservoir were completed (much of which remains). By 1780, a second church was completed, and by 1790 the population of Mission San Antonio was over 1000; the largest in California.

By 1805, the Mission reached its peak population of nearly 1300. Five years later, construction began on a third and final church, which was completed three years later. In 1834, however, after secularization of the missions, Mission San Antonio rapidly deteriorated and in less than a decade was left in ruins. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln returned the Mission to the Catholic Church, but due to its remote location upkeep was difficult and it was ultimately abandoned in 1883. The Mission was soon plundered, and building materials removed for use elsewhere, leaving little more than crumbling adobe walls and part of the brick facade.

The first attempt at restoration began in 1903 by the newly-established California Historic Landmarks League, but their efforts were plagued by disaster. Torrential rains washed away their progress in 1904 and 1905, followed by the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Nevertheless, they persisted and the restoration of the church was completed in 1907, with the League leaving the next year. In 1928, the Mission was returned to Franciscan control. Twenty years later, a second restoration was undertaken by the Hearst Foundation (as the Mission stood on land owned by William Randolph Hearst). With the exception of the already-restored church, the Mission was completely reconstructed in its current form using the original methods, and completed in 1950. It now sits on the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, and the Department of Defense has provided archaeological support for the site. Despite its remote location, Mission San Antonio de Padua still serves as a functioning church, and a self-guided tour is offered of the extensive grounds and museum.

🔔 El Camino Real 🔔 ← Soledad • San Antonio de Padua • San Miguel Arcángel →

• Mission San Antonio de Padua (Official Site)
• MissionTour.org , "Mission San Antonio de Padua" by Tom Simondi.
• Wikipedia , "Mission San Antonio de Padua"

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REACHING THE FURTHEST PEOPLE FIRST.

HEAL. TRANSFORM. ENHANCE.

THE MOBILE OPERATING ROOM.

Training the trainers.

HELP US BRING TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATION TO THE FURTHEST REGIONS OF THE WORLD.

Mission to Heal exists to bring surgical education to local healthcare practitioners in the most remote areas of the world. Through teaching a variety of basic and intermediate surgical skills, our work has a sustaining effect that enhances the medical capabilities of clinics around the globe.

One Step Further

Breaking down healthcare barriers.

Mission to Heal travels to communities that are located far from advanced hospitals and medical centers. We go beyond the “extra mile” to provide healthcare that is evidence-based and patient-centered.

By operating where medical need is great and medical help is under-resourced, we can improve the quality of life for the most isolated, impoverished people.

WHY Mission to Heal

                  WORK

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