National Chavez Center

National Chavez Center

The National Chavez Center promotes and preserves the legacy of Cesar Chavez through his images and words as well as the grounds where he spent his last years, including the César E. Chávez National Monument. Our aim is to protect and preserve the beautiful, sprawling estate at Nuestra Señora Reina de La Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace), also known as La Paz, in Keene, California, where Cesar and Helen Chavez’s graves lie amidst the Memorial Gardens and where thousands of visitors pass through every year to pay homage. But the National Chavez Center is not just a memorial. It includes The Forty Acres in Delano, California, the former headquarters for the United Farm Workers of America and where Cesar Chavez held his first public fast. The National Chavez Center further honors Cesar Chavez’s work and legacy through the promotion and coordination of hundreds of annual celebrations and service activities across the country.

Villa La Paz Conference & Event Center

On the north grounds of the 187-acre National Chavez Center stands the 17,000-square-foot Villa La Paz Conference & Event Center. Cesar Chavez’s dream of a place to train future generations of dedicated activists became one step closer to reality in 2010 with the grand opening of this sprawling conference and educational center in the restored mission-style structures where he once held community gatherings and sessions with movement leaders and staff. La Paz hosts corporate and organizational conferences, retreats, educational seminars, exhibits, weddings, receptions, and other special events.

For information about hosting an event at Villa La Paz, please visit villalapazeventcenter.org or contact eventscoordinator@chavezfoundation.org

César E. Chávez National Monument

In 2012, the National Park Service designated the La Paz site as a national historic landmark. It encompasses a 7,000-square-foot Visitor Center and Memorial Gardens where Cesar Chavez and his wife, Helen, are buried. The main building is devoted to photo exhibits and features Cesar’s carefully preserved library and office.

Shop a curated selection of items from the National Chavez Center Store, located at the César E. Chávez National Monument. All purchases help preserve and promote Cesar Chavez’s legacy.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene, CA 93531
Directions: The monument is located in the town of Keene, California, on Highway 58. Take exit 139 toward Keene, then turn right on Woodford-Tehachapi Road. César E. Chávez National Monument will be on your left.

Hours: Daily from 10am-4pm, except major holidays
Admission and parking: Free
Phone: (661) 823-6134

For more information about the César E. Chávez National Monument, click here.

Cesar’s Images and Words: Licensing Requests

The Cesar Chavez Foundation is the intellectual property owner of Cesar’s name, voice, image, likeness, speeches and writings. Permission to reproduce any of this intellectual property for publication purposes may be obtained by emailing jlopez@chavezfoundation.org.

Today, La Paz joins a long line of national monuments—stretching from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon—monuments that tell the story of who we are as Americans. It's a story of natural wonders and modern marvels, of fierce battles and quiet progress. But it's also a story of people—of determined, fearless, hopeful people who have always been willing to devote their lives to making this country a little more just and a little more free.

- President Barack Obama at the dedication of the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument.

Speakers Bureau

The National Chavez Center Speakers Bureau is a year-round program dedicated to sharing the life and core values of Cesar Chavez. It provides speakers for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, state and national conferences, community-based events, marches, commemorations, and dedications. The Speakers Bureau works hard to fulfill all requests.

Speakers range from Chavez family members to those who knew and worked with him to representatives who were inspired by Cesar and have their own compelling stories. All honorariums help support the work of the National Chavez Center. To request a speaker, please complete the  Speakers Bureau request form.