Description

Father Junípero Serra y Ferrer (1713-1784) was a Franciscan missionary who was Founder-Presidente of the California Missions. He was instrumental in establishing the first permanent European settlement in California, at San Diego, in 1769. The Serra Museum in Presidio Park is named for him, and he is the topmost figure in the sculptured facade of the California Building in Balboa Park. Producer Peter Hamlin and historian Clare Crane discuss with their guests the significance of the establishment of the first Spanish settlement in California at San Diego in 1769; the development of the Mission system under the direction of Father Serra; and the cultural differences between the Indians and the Spaniards. Iris Engstrand discusses the motives for Spanish colonization of California, the plans of Jose de Galvez, the role of the missions as instruments of colonization, and the conflicts between missionaries and military governors. Father Francis Guest describes the character and achievements of Father Serra, and comments on the cultural values of the eighteenth century. Roy Cook discusses the culture of the Kumeyaay Indians and the impact of colonization on their way of life. Lucy Killea describes some examples of conflict between Indians and Spanish settlers, including the attack on the Mission in 1775; and comments on the aims and achievements of the Mission system. Monsignor I. Brent Egan describes present-day activities at Mission San Diego. Bill Parker talks about the annual Trek to the Cross in July, commemorating the establishment of Spanish settlement in San Diego. Ray Brandes discusses the archeological excavations at the Mission, and comments on the significance of Mission architecture. Names mentioned during the program include: José de Gálvez y Gallardo, San Diego de Alcalá, José de Gálvez y Gallardo, Saint Francis Solono, Pere Fages i Beleta, José Francisco Ortega, Fernando Javier Rivera y Moncada, Felipe de Neve, Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa, Luis Jayme, Robert Heizer, Robert Archibald, Fermín de Francisco Lasuén de Arasqueta, and Gaspar de Portolà.