San Gabriel –  Dr. Jennifer Perry, associate professor of anthropology, Pomona College, will lead a History Forum about Chumash Indian people at San Gabriel Mission History Day from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 13, rain or sun, as part of mission’s monthly History Day.

The informal two-hour event will be moderated by John Macias, San Gabriel Mission parishioner and historian.

“The event will feature noted anthropologist Dr. Perry, who has researched extensively on the Chumash people of the Channel Islands,” said Macias.  “Her presentation will feature her research on the Chumash people as well as indigenous life before the establishment of the Spanish Missions.  It is an opportunity for the public to interact with historians in an informal setting so that everyone will be able to share information and learn more about history in Southern California.”

Visitors also can see the mission church, museum, grounds and mission building models of all 21 missions in California on a self-guided tour.

There is no charge for this special San Gabriel Mission event if people call in advance to register at 626-457-3048 no later than March 11.  Any donation will be accepted. Seating is limited for this special event, announced Macias. Entrance will be at mission’s gift shop.

Mission History Day was started on June 4, 2005 so that, once a month on a Saturday,
visitors can learn more about mission history: people, cultures, events, buildings, artwork,
artifacts, plant life and more.  Some months a contest is scheduled.

Persons age 17 and younger must be with a parent or guardian age 18 or older.
Free self-parking is available on a first-come basis in the church lot at the intersection
of Mission Road and Junipero Serra Drive in San Gabriel or on nearby streets. The address is 427 S. Junipero Serra Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776, and the telephone number is 626-457-3048.

San Gabriel Mission was founded on Sept. 8, 1771 and is the fourth oldest of 21 missions in California.