Riverside, CA –  The Mission Inn Foundation (MIF) is unveiling The Power of a Landmark, a bold campaign inviting local residents and visitors to stand together to preserve, interpret and promote the cultural heritage and history of a National Historic Landmark (NHL), The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Forty years ago, this year, the Mission Inn was named a National Historic Landmark, one of just over 2,500 sites nation-wide to receive this prestigious designation. Landmark sites “possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States” states the National Park Service website. Within a few blocks of each other are Riverside’s two NHL sites, the Harada House and the Mission Inn. Both faced an uncertain future at one time. Through the launch of this campaign, MIF aims to create knowledge fueled by the core belief that through museum services, educational programs, and outreach activities we will thrive together.

With the MIF’s new The Power of a Landmark merchandise line, the nonprofit organization will continue to encourage youth education, preservation of the jewel of Riverside, and instill a strong sense of passion in the next generation. Starting April 5, 2017 MIF supporters can pre-order online beautiful, versatile high-quality products with the debut of The Power of a Landmark’s first collection, truly bringing MIF’s mission to life. After April 20, 2017 the Power of a Landmark merchandise can be found not only online but at the Mission Inn Museum Store located on Main Street in Riverside.

“We believe in the limitless potential of education and are passionate about vesting in the knowledge of our beloved community and visitor alike with the power of the National Historic Landmark, The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa” said Steve Spiller, executive director, MIF. “We have a responsibility to reach out and inspire the generations of all ages with the power held within the city of Riverside.”

The Power of a Landmark merchandise line is a long-term effort that aims to inspire the community to preserve their history, the history of the city of Riverside, and the history of inland southern California by educating and telling their story. Visit http://missioninnmuseum.org/shop/ to learn more about the campaign and pre-order the The Power of a Landmark line.

The Mission Inn Foundation was incorporated in 1976 to assist in the preservation and restoration of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, and originally, to manage the hotel during ownership by the City of Riverside’s Redevelopment Agency. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is now privately owned by Duane and Kelly Roberts, and the Foundation has a unique role of operating a non-profit museum within a for-profit hotel. In addition to the museum, the Mission Inn Foundation interprets the history and significance of the Mission Inn through daily hotel tours, monthly public programs and special events, the Hands On History youth educational initiative, and the continued stewardship of the hotel’s expansive art, artifact, and archival collections