This program has been moved to Thursday April 16 at 11:30.  Christopher Bentley, an historian who has served with the National Park Service (NPS) for over a decade will be our speaker. Currently based at Tumacácori National Historical Park, he oversees the interpretation, education, and volunteer programs for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, a 1,200-mile route stretching from Southern Arizona to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mr. Bentley’s approach to history is deeply rooted in the connection between people and the land. His background is a blend of cultural study and practical field experience. As a primary leader for the Anza 250 commemoration, he has been instrumental in broadening how the 1775–1776 expedition is understood.  Building upon the Spanish colonial history that many are familiar with, Mr. Bentley pulls in archaeology and ethnographic accounts of Indigenous experiences to highlight Native pathways and knowledge that made the journey possible. Additionally, focusing on the diverse backgrounds and heritage of the 30 families on the colonizing expedition sets the tone for how we understand California, how we continue to live out this history, and why the trail is relevant to us today. He works to ensure that the 250th anniversary is a bridge between the past and present, fostering deeper conversations about resilience and shared history.

Join us for an interesting and new understanding of how the Anza Expedition connects us to the land, the past and each other.

To attend this free virtual program, register at museumsrv.org, select What’s On, and then Virtual Programs.