Discover the fascinating work of Fr. Gerónimo Boscana, a Franciscan missionary whose detailed account of the Acágchemem, or Juaneño Indians of Mission San Juan Capistrano, remains a cornerstone of California anthropology. Dr. John R. Johnson explores Boscana’s enduring contribution, including the history of his manuscript Chinigchinich—the only full-length ethnography left by a Franciscan in Alta California—and research conducted at the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library and beyond to trace what happened to the original Spanish version.
Dr. Johnson, Curator Emeritus at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and longtime scholar of California Indigenous cultures, brings decades of experience studying mission records and Indigenous histories, with special expertise on the Chumash Indians of the Santa Barbara region.
Early-bird access for Good Friends+ begins May 1, with general tickets available May 2. RSVP is required. Light refreshments will be provided.