CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents a Free Mexican-American Family History Presentation from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Camarillo Library Community Room, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo.
“The Spanish Settlement of Southern California (1769-1790)” Presented by John Schmal.
In honor of Mexican-American History Month, this presentation explores the original settlement of Southern California by the Spaniards. Starting with the early settlement of San Diego (1769) and San Gabriel (1771), the speaker outlines the various Spanish activities in the Southland, including the Expedition of 1781 and the founding of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara from 1781-1786. The lecture also includes a discussion of several of the original indigenous inhabitants who lived near the Spanish missions. The presentation will conclude with data from the 1790 census.
John Schmal is a historian, genealogist, and lecturer. With his friend Donna Morales, he recently coauthored “Mexican-American Genealogical Research: Following the Paper Trail to Mexico” (Heritage Books, 2002). He has degrees in History (Loyola-Marymount University) and Geography (St. Cloud State University) and is a board member of the Society of Hispanic Historical Ancestral Research (SHHAR).
2:30 P.M. WORKSHOP: “How to Find your Roots in Mexico” Presented by John Schmal
Following the general presentation, John Schmal will review various resources for finding your roots in Mexico.
10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.: VCGS DNA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP MEETING
The VCGS DNA SIG invites interested parties to join their free meeting about different aspects of genealogical DNA.
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