Rose Marie Beebe and Robert M. Senkewicz
Rose Marie Beebe, Professor Emerita of Spanish Literature, Department of Modern Languages, Santa Clara University and Robert M. Senkewicz, Professor Emeritus of History, Santa Clara University
Date and Time
Sunday, February 22, 2026
1:30PM-4:15PM
Presentation # 1
Women’s perspective of Early California
The talk is drawn from the speakers’ book, Testimonios: Early California through the Eyes of Women, 1815-1848, which features thirteen firsthand accounts by women who lived during the eras when California was under Spanish and Mexican rule. Having witnessed the dramatic changes brought by the Gold Rush, these women recognized the importance of preserving and sharing the full story of the people and places that made up their California.
Presentation # 2
“Write Long and Beautiful Letters”
The Vallejos’ Californio Correspondence, 1846-1888
The Vallejo family of Sonoma was among the most influential Californio families of the era. This talk delves into their experiences through the lens of more than 180 letters exchanged between Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, his wife Francisca Benicia Carrillo de Vallejo, and their children from 1846 to 1888. These personal letters provide a revealing and intimate view of how the Vallejos—and many other Californio families across different social and economic backgrounds—grappled with the sweeping political, social, and cultural changes brought on by American annexation. The presentation is based on the book of the same title, co-edited and translated by Rose Marie Beebe and Robert Senkewicz.
Program Schedule
1:30PM – Arrival and light refreshments
Heritage Bites: Culinary Echoes of Early California
Prepared by Farm Dinner Los Angeles
2:00PM–3:00PM – Presentation #1 with Q&A
3:00PM-3:15PM – Break
3:15PM-4:15PM Presentation #2 with Q&A
Admission
Free with reservations
Space is limited
Location
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion
San Juan Capistrano, 92675
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