Organization and Mission

CPHS is organized as a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation under Section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, and is classified as a Public Charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our overall mission is the promotion of public pride and patriotism through an understanding and appreciation of the historical and architectural significance of Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton as Native American homeland, as Spanish mission land, as a large Southern California working ranch, and as the world’s largest amphibious warfare training base.  Further, CPHS seeks to increase public awareness of the Marine Corps role in preserving Camp Pendleton as a national treasure.

Based on CPHS’s articles of incorporation, its specific purposes are:

  • The discovery, preservation, and sharing of the history of Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
  • Support for the historical programs of Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, including but not limited to the Santa Margarita Ranch House National Historic Site, Las Flores Adobe National Historic Landmark, Marine Corps Mechanized Museum, and WWII/Korea LVT Museum.
  • Receive, maintain and accept, as assets of the corporation, any property, whether real, personal or mixed, by way of gift, bequest, devise or purchase, from any person, company, trust or charitable organization, to be held, administered and disposed of in accordance with and pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation.