Hidden Villa is celebrating its centennial and marking 100 years of nurturing hearts, nourishing minds, and fostering friendships.
Since 1924, the 1,600-acre outdoor refuge at the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains has been committed to advancing programs centered on food, nature, and outdoor education.
A series of special centennial activities and events will be held throughout the year including a farm-to-table feast, a peony planting and so much more!
Want to join in on the celebration? Follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn and subscribe to our emails to learn about upcoming events.
HERE’S TO 100 MORE: SUPPORT HIDDEN VILLA
Hidden Villa is a non-profit 501(c)3 with an annual budget of approximately $5 million. We rely on generous investments from individual donors as well as corporations and foundations. Hidden Villa does not receive government support.
As we mark 100 years of service to our community, Hidden Villa recognizes the need for significant upgrades to some of our historic buildings as well as ongoing investment in our programs. If you are interested in making a donation to capital or programmatic needs, please do so here or contact Executive Director Elliott Wright, [email protected], (650) 949-8654.
Centennial Celebration
Attend our farm-to-table feast on September 28, 2024, featuring a keynote address from esteemed writer and scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer, Ph.D., author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. The event will include a garden reception and a dinner prepared by acclaimed restaurateur Jesse Z. Cool in collaboration with Outstanding in the Field and the Hidden Villa farm team, with music, dancing, and special activities for children.
Hidden Villa Archives
Frank and Josephine Duveneck purchased Hidden Villa in 1924. They preserved the surrounding wilderness, managed the farm as a daily ranch, and made the home a hub of social activism. The Duveneck family sheltered refugees fleeing from the Nazis, assisted Japanese American families returning from internment camps, and established the first racially integrated residential summer camp in the country in 1945. Explore Hidden Villa’s rich history in the archives.
Share Your Hidden Villa Story
Tell us your story at Hidden Villa — from the life-shaping to the everyday.
Project Bloom
Project Bloom is an exciting community competition hosted by Hidden Villa, designed to inspire and showcase the incredible work happening right in our community. With fantastic prizes up for grabs, this is a unique opportunity to share your impact with the community. Follow the link below to learn more!
Centennial Stories
Read the rich history and cherished memories that have shaped our beloved refuge. Join us in taking a look back through a special series of stories, photos, and oral history. Our Centennial Stories collection is told by community members, just like you, who have been touched by Hidden Villa over the past century.
We purchased the land because we fell in love with it, and it has been our policy ever since to preserve and cherish its pristine beauty for other lovers of nature now and in future generations.
– Josephine Duveneck