[3] Requa also designed the Mission—Spanish Colonial styled downtown Arcade and Watchtower landmarks, as part of civic leader Edward Drummond Libbey's early 20th century Ojai city beautification project.

[6] By the early 1990s, the historic chapel was described as "cracked and crumbling to its foundation, and temporarily locked behind a rented chain-link fence.

City officials and historical and architectural preservationists responded by seeking funding to acquire and preserve the building.

[5] In 1993 the City of Ojai purchased the historic chapel and parish hall from the Catholic Church for $385,000.

The museum exhibits collections of vintage Ojai pioneer artifacts and photographs, Chumash Native American baskets, and contemporary art.