(SANTA BARBARA, CA)—The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to present La Purísima Concepción, a lecture by Michael R. Hardwick, Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Presidio Chapel (123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara).

 

In two centuries, La Purísima Concepción went from a fledgling frontier mission to a renowned California State Historic Park. Once home to many Spanish soldiers, settlers and hundreds of Chumash Indians, La Purísima held the seat of the California Mission government under Father Mariano Payeras. It withstood catastrophic events, including widespread disease in early years and a great Southern California earthquake in 1812.

 

Emerging from ruins for the last time in 1934, after restoration by the Civilian Conservation Corps, structures appear today as they did in the early nineteenth century. The uniquely restored California Mission complex operates as a state park in a pastoral setting. Author and archivist Michael R. Hardwick chronicles the story of La Purísima and the resilient people and culture that made a lasting influence.  Books will be available for purchase at the event.

 

Michael R. Hardwick earned his degree in anthropology from UCSB. He completed early archaeology on the presidio in Santa Barbara and established the archives at La Purisima State Park as a park ranger. After seventeen years of serving on the board of directors for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, Hardwick is now an honorary life trustee. His first book on the horticulture of California's missions was the basis for Old Mission Santa Barbara's Huerta Project.

 

CALENDAR LISTING

La Purisíma Concepción

Lecture by Michael R. Hardwick

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2015

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Presidio Chapel, 123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara
Cost: $10 Admission Non-members; SBTHP Members Free

For more information:  Visit www.sbthp.org or call (805) 965-0093