On a Mission: A talk by Janet Sands

Description

Author Janet Dowling Sands returns to present new insights and little-known episodes of history from the just-published 2nd edition of her popular book "On a Mission: The Real Story of the California Missions." The California missions are beloved historical sites, but they tell a far more interesting and important story than one might imagine—one that is linked to global history, geopolitics, and to the founding of the country. Part big-picture, carefully researched historical narrative and part travel guide the book is a beautifully illustrated volume that begins with the prehistory of California’s native peoples and describes the global context of the Spanish missions while examining their impact and legacy for modern California. Ms. Sands raises important questions about how we should think about the mission era and the missions themselves, and presents the missions as they appear today, highlighting their architectural styles and rare works of art.