The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum in the City of Industry, California, interprets the region’s history from the Mexican rancho era through the 1920s.
Its historic houses, cemetery, gardens and gallery offer a look at the families who shaped the site and the area around it. Nearby El Monte’s neighborhoods are described in this guide to El Monte neighborhoods.
- Location: 15415 Don Julian Road, City of Industry, California 91745
- Public house tours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with monthly exceptions
- Admission: public tours are free; they are the only way to enter the historic houses
What is the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum?
The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum is a historic site that tells the story of two families and the region they called home.
William and Nicolasa Workman arrived in greater Los Angeles from Taos in 1841, traveling along the Old Spanish Trail. Over more than 35 years, the Workman family built a cattle and farm operation on Rancho La Puente.
Walter P. Temple bought the Workman House and surrounding property in 1917. He later renovated the ranch and, with his wife, Laura González, built La Casa Nueva. The museum opened in May 1981 after the City of Industry acquired and restored part of the property.
For a broader look at local stops and how they fit together, the one-day El Monte itinerary covers additional sights and practical stops.
Which historic buildings and grounds can you see?
The grounds bring together the Workman House, La Casa Nueva, El Campo Santo cemetery, gardens and a gallery. The houses can be seen on public tours; the cemetery is open for self-guided visits.
La Casa Nueva is a Spanish Colonial Revival house built in the 1920s. The Workman House and El Campo Santo Cemetery have California historic landmark status, while La Casa Nueva is listed on the National Register.
The Workman family established El Campo Santo in the 1850s, and the Temple family built its mausoleum in 1921. The cemetery grounds also include the final resting place of Pío Pico, the last governor of Mexican California. Most of the site is wheelchair accessible, according to the City of Industry.
How do Workman and Temple Museum tours and hours work?
Free public tours are the only way to see the historic houses, and spaces are limited.
Opening hours
- Friday to Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
- Monday to Thursday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Individuals and groups under 10 do not need reservations; tours are first-come, first-served. Groups of 10 or more are asked to schedule a tour, and scheduled group visits may be arranged any day between 10 a.m. and noon.
Published hours for El Campo Santo differ: the museum gives 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, while the City of Industry gives 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Check the official site before you go, particularly if the cemetery is your main stop.
How do you get to the museum from El Monte?
The museum is at 15415 Don Julian Road in the City of Industry, about 14 minutes by car from Aqua Inn Motel, which offers guest rooms at Aqua Inn Motel.
A nearby Foothill Transit Line 185 stop is about 1,900 feet east of the museum.
FAQs
Is admission to the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum free?
Public house tours are free. They are the only way to see the historic houses.
Do you need reservations for a public tour?
Individuals and groups under 10 do not need reservations. Tours have limited capacity and are available first-come, first-served.
Can you visit El Campo Santo without a tour?
Yes. El Campo Santo is open for self-guided visits; check the official site before you go for its visiting hours.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The City of Industry says most of the site is wheelchair accessible.