Old Monterey Foundation continues its popular season of free lecture events as part of its 2018 Lecture Series sponsored by The Marcia F. Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County with its third event.

This lecture by Christine Fernández will focus on Angustias de la Guerra Ord (1815-1890), a prominent Californio woman who is considered by scholars today as the first woman historian of Hispanic California. Born as a subject of Spain to two of the most affluent and powerful Californio families, she lived through California’s transition from Spanish-Mexican rule, and statehood. Her testimonio, Occurrences in Hispanic California (1878) reveals the complexities of Californio life and is critical to our current understanding of the local history of Monterey and Santa Barbara, signaling her close ties to notable military leaders of the Mexican Army and the U.S. Army, and in particular, the Ord family. She was witness to the Battle of Monterey and the role of Californios in defending Monterey from Bouchard’s invasion.  Moreover, her testimonio and journal present shifting narrative discourses regarding the politics of language, culture, and race/ethnicity during California’s transition to statehood.

Bill Wojtkowski, President of the Old Monterey Foundation Board of Directors, will present a short overview of recent improvements accomplished and planned for the Lower Presidio Historic Park.

Thursday, August 23, 2018
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, MIIS; 499 Pierce Street, Monterey
Free Admission – Reception to follow.

For more information about Old Monterey Foundation, call (831) 346-3030 .

The lectures are very popular so attendees are urged to come early to secure a seat.

This lecture is suitable for ages 9 and up.

About Christine Fernández

Christine Fernández is an Assistant Professor of Spanish language and Latin American Literature and Culture at CSU Monterey Bay, where she teaches in the School of World Languages and Cultures. Her teaching and research interests include: Latin American / U.S. Latino literature and film, women writers, gender studies, and digital humanities. She earned her Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages & Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her past teaching appointments include Hamilton College, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.