| No, it's not a misprint when you see an "o" rather
than an "a" at the end of the name of the golden state. By definition,
"Californio" refers to the native-born, Spanish-speaking inhabitants
of Early California. The word "Californio" is becoming increasingly
familiar as scholars and historians study and reflect upon the enormous changes
to this frontier society impacted by the influx of diverse peoples driven by the
Gold Rush.
"Distant Gold: Inland Southern California 1848-1882," at the Museum
of History and Art, Ontario, from April 21 to August 1, explores the stories and
legacies of those peoples who adapted and changed from Californio to American
California.
On Cinco de Mayo, May 5, as part of the "Distant Gold" program,
nationally-recognized scholar Douglas Monroy presents a free public lecture on
the subject at the Chaffey Communities Cultural Center in Upland.
Entitled "After the Days of the Cows, Fiestas, and Honorable Caballeros:
Forging the Californio Legacy," Monroy covers the subject in interesting
detail, delivering a profound and sensitive analysis of the interaction of
Indians, Spanish, Mexicans and Euro-Americans in frontier California.
Monroy is professor of History and W.M. Keck Foundation Director of the
Hulbert Center for Southwest Research at The Colorado College. He is the author
of definitive works that illuminate the era, including Thrown Among
Strangers: The Making of Mexican Culture in Frontier California and Rebirth,
a history of Mexicans in Los Angeles.
The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, with seating on a
first-come, first-served basis. Chaffey Communities Cultural Center is located
at 525 W. 18th Street, Upland.
Those who wish to meet the author in person before the lecture may attend a
reception and book-signing from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.; there is a $10 charge for the
reception only, which includes hors d'oeuvres.
"Distant Gold" is made possible in part by a grant from the
California Council for the Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment
for the Humanities. The Monroy lecture is co-sponsored by the Museum of History
and Art, Ontario, Chaffey Communities Cultural Center and the Etiwanda
Historical Society.
For more information, please call the Museum of History and Art, Ontario, at
(909) 983-3198. |
