Rancho La Patera is especially suited for exploration of the theme, "Continuity and Change".  Since third graders explore this theme with an emphasis on local history, tours of Stow House are geared for third grade.  We do, however, welcome all grade levels and will adapt tours to age appropriate levels. When your class visits Rancho La Patera, the tours will emphasize local history from the early 1900’s.  If your class is interested in a particular topic about local history, please let us know and we will try to incorporate pertinent information or materials in the tour.

The Stow family represents the newcomers who settled in the Goleta Valley.  While on a tour of the historic Stow House, students will be captivated by stories about the culture and traditions of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.   The house is furnished with historic and period items and the tours are based on oral histories and primary source materials. The Stows played an important role in the advancement of the lemon industry.  Additionally, members of the Stow family were active in local politics, including Edgar Stow’s service as a State Senator. 

Docent-led tours last approximately one hour.  We can accommodate twenty students at a time.  If two classes want to share a visit, one teacher can plan independent activities while the other class tours.    Teachers have planned various activities on-site such as sketching the Stow House, playing period lawn games, or enjoying the historic gardens on Rancho La Patera property.  Teachers often take students on walks around adjacent Lake Los Carneros.  The lake was originally dammed by the Stow family for ranch irrigation and today is a popular bird observation area.  Students are allowed to picnic in the gardens of Rancho La Patera. 

Click HERE to download our School Tour Guidelines. (PDF Document)