Archaeology of the Spanish Royal Presidio and Missions Talk at California’s First Theater

Monterey, Calif.—Archaeologist and author, Dr. Ruben Mendoza has been instrumental in uncovering Monterey County’s early history. To commemorate Mexican Independence Day and California Latino Heritage Month, Dr. Mendoza will be presenting a free talk titled “On the Edge of Empire: Archaeology of the Spanish Royal Presidio and Missions of the Monterey Bay, 1995-2025” on September 16th 6pm in California’s First Theater (Pacific Street and Scott Street in Monterey).

The program will detail the Spanish and Mexican heritage of the Monterey Bay central to its origins and diaspora. It will include the findings from Dr. Mendoza’s uncovering of the architectural histories of four local missions and the Spanish Royal Presidio of Monterey. Discoveries included the recovery of the 1797 chapel at Mission San Juan and the identification of 18 buried buildings at Mission Soledad. All the findings shed new light on the cultural landscapes, architectural transformations and contested spaces that defined life on the edge of empire.