Join us as we conclude our interview with ethnohistorian April Farnham, delving into the lives and contributions of mixed Spanish and indigenous families in Northern California during the late 18th and 19th centuries. 

From the Anza Expedition to the intricate social fabrics of families like the Juarez and Carillo, we explore matrimonial investigations, multicultural interactions, and the significant roles of women in preserving and merging diverse cultures. 

Discover how these early settlers shaped the cultural and historical landscape of California, specifically in the areas surrounding San Francisco Bay, Napa, and Sonoma. 

Don't miss out on learning new historical revelations and the ongoing efforts to uncover more about California's rich heritage.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview with April Farham
01:52 Exploring Matrimonial Investigations
04:08 Connections to the Anza Expedition
05:22 The Carillo Family Lineage
07:32 Multilingual Influences and Relationships
14:23 Research Directions and Future Projects
23:55 The Role of Women in Preserving Culture
30:16 Events and Activities at Sonoma State Historic Park
32:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, I interview April Farham, who shares her fascinating work on the lives of early California settlers, specifically indigenous and Mestiza women. April discusses her personal journey into historical research that focuses on California's frontier in the 18th and 19th centuries. She elaborates on her work at the Maidu Indian Museum and her passion for unraveling the stories behind the extensive basket collections and their connection to indigenous women. The conversation also touches on the genealogical and historical intersections revealed through archival research and the impact of mixed ancestry on California's cultural landscape.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview with April Farham
02:14 April's Background and Early Career
06:54 Exploring the State Indian Museum Collections
12:07 Graduate Studies and Research Focus Shift
19:37 Discovering the Juarez Family History
32:45 Ethnohistorical Research and Archival Work

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Exploring Historical Illustrations and California's Cultural Heritage with David W. Rickman

Watch to the full YouTube video

In the final installment of this interview series, historian and illustrator David W. Rickman delves into the history of Russians on Northern California's coast, his contributions to national and state parks, collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution, and his esteemed Sutter's Fort Costume Manual. 

David also discusses his forthcoming book on clothing and material culture in the American West, 'Where Worlds Met.' 

Throughout the conversation, Rickman highlights his endeavors in historical illustration, including his projects for Alviso Adobe, Fort Ross, and other national parks. 

David reflects on nearly participating in a Hollywood Zorro series, emphasizing the importance and challenges of historical accuracy in visual storytelling. The episode is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, offering rich insights into the cultural tapestry of early California and the American West.

00:00 Introduction to the Final Interview with David W. Rickman
01:01 David's Work in National and State Parks
05:27 Sutter's Fort Costume Manual and Upcoming Book
07:25 Challenges and Insights in Historical Costume Research
15:51 Illustrations and Projects for National Park Service
20:40 Hollywood and Historical Authenticity
24:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

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In the second part of our interview with illustrator and historian David W. Rickman, we delve into his research methodologies and his quest to accurately depict historical clothing. We discuss how Hollywood has influenced our perceptions of the American West and the common misconceptions about Native American attire in the past. David shares his experiences researching in various museums, including the National History Museum in Los Angeles and the de Young Museum, and talks about the challenges of getting people to wear authentic historical costumes. We also touch on his upcoming book, 'Where Worlds Met,' which explores California costumes from 1822 to 1860 and features never-before-seen images. Join us as we explore these fascinating insights into California history.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview with David W. Rickman
01:00 David's Research Methodology and Museum Experiences
05:04 Challenges in Historical Costume Accuracy
06:50 The Influence of the American West and Individualism
08:57 California's Historical and Cultural Revival
24:28 Misconceptions About Native American Clothing
31:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Join us for Part 1 of an interview with artist and historian David W. Rickman, renowned for his illustrations of California history and the Spanish borderlands. 

In this episode, we delve into the misconceptions influenced by Hollywood and incomplete historical records, and how David's unique expertise helps correct these narratives. 

Learn about his fascinating work on early Californian dress, the visual culture of the American West, and the painstaking research process behind his acclaimed illustrations. 

Don't miss this deep dive into the material culture and historical representation of the American West.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Notes
01:23 Understanding the Past Through Visuals
02:38 Meet David Rickman: Historian and Illustrator
04:03 David's Unique Perspective on History
06:09 The Influence of Early Experiences
08:12 Challenges in Historical Illustration
20:00 Research and Projects
27:52 The Importance of Accurate Representation
31:15 California's Rich Historical Record
39:55 Conclusion and Upcoming Part Two

David's Website

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Antonio Coronel’s Gold Rush Tales in Mexican California

In the final installment of 'The Tales of Mexican California,' we follow Antonio Coronel's vivid recount of his time in the Northern California gold fields post-1848. 

Coronel, who initially settled in Los Angeles after arriving from Mexico in 1834, shares graphic and poignant stories from the Gold Rush era. 

These include violent episodes, massacres of Native people, and the lawlessness that prevailed among fortune seekers. 

Coronel details his own experiences with gold mining, the lucrative yet perilous nature of the business, and the eventual abandonment of his efforts due to lawlessness and threats of violence. 

His firsthand accounts provide a unique perspective on the cultural and societal shifts during the transition of California from Mexican to American rule.

00:00 Introduction to Antonio Coronel's Gold Rush Adventures
02:12 The Gold Rush Begins: Challenges and Opportunities
04:36 Life in the Gold Fields: Wealth and Lawlessness
08:09 A Violent Encounter in Sonoma
12:50 Return to the Gold Fields and New Ventures
18:42 Conflict and Prejudice in the Gold Fields
29:46 Final Reflections and Departure from the Gold Fields

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In the second part of my interview with Michael Hardwick, we hear about Hippolyte Bouchard, a pirate who raided California's coast, and learn about the history of the Spanish and Mexican presidios.

This episode explores sea battles, invasions, and the armaments used during California's conquest and defense.

Historian Michael R. Hardwick shares insights into powder supplies, Spanish cannons, and colonial history from 1769 to the Mexican War. 

In an interesting twist, Michael introduces also us to Spanish horticultural practices at the California missions.

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In this episode, I delve into the often overlooked history of the Spanish Presidios in California with expert Michael Hardwick, author of Spanish Arms and Armaments of the Presidios in California. 

Michael shares his extensive research on Spanish military fortifications during the colonial period. We discuss the arms, armaments, and strategies of these garrisons, their role in supporting the missions, and their adaptation to coastal defenses. 

Michael also shares personal anecdotes from his years of archaeological work at Presidio sites and his exploration of historical records, providing a fascinating glimpse into California's early military history.

00:00 Introduction to Spanish Presence in California
00:36 Meet Michael Hardwick: Expert on Presidios
03:17 Michael's Background and Work on the Presidio Project
04:22 The Historical Significance of Presidios
07:55 Uncovering the Foundations and Artifacts
16:08 The Evolution and Role of Presidios
22:06 The Armament and Defense Strategies
31:14 The Legacy of Spanish Artillery
40:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Purchase Spanish Arms and Armaments of the Presidios in California
or email Michael: [email protected]
Michael's Book on Mission La Purísima

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Join me for another excerpt from Antonio Franco Coronel's memoirs, Tales of Mexican California. 

In this episode, we hear about the events of 1846, when the US military began its invasion and occupation of California. Coronel recounts Marine Captain Gillespie's heavy-handed rule in Los Angeles, local reactions to U.S. occupation, and the events leading to the (likely avoidable) revolt of the Pueblo of Los Angeles' residents against Gillespie and the U.S. occupiers. 

Antonio Coronel's account provides rich, firsthand insights into California's complex history during the Mexican-American War.

00:00 Introduction to Antonio Franco Cordone's Memoirs
01:10 Context of the Mexican-American War
03:41 Captain Gillespie's Oppressive Rule
07:50 The Revolt Against Gillespie
15:35 The Siege and Surrender of Gillespie
26:13 Conclusion and Reflections

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Tales of Mexican California: Antonio Coronel's Memoirs - Part 2

To hear Part 1, go to Episode 065.

In this episode of the California Frontier Podcast, Damian Bacich continues exploring the memoirs of Antonio Franco Coronel. Coronel's account provides a riveting look into his experiences as a Superior Court Judge in Mexican California during the 1840s, a time marked by political instability and frequent criminal conduct by soldiers. 

The memoir sheds light on key historical moments, including the failed colonization efforts, the uprising against Governor Manuel Micheltorena, and the early signs of American annexation. Coronel's detailed recounting of robberies and kidnappings from New Mexico and his interactions with notable figures like Pio Pico, Jose Castro, and John Sutter offer valuable insights into a tumultuous period in California history.

00:00 Introduction to Antonio Franco Coronel's Memoirs

00:21 Arrival and Early Challenges in Alta California

01:36 Political Instability and New Governance

03:34 The Crimes of the Permanent California Battalion 

05:25 The Great Robbery at Don Vicente Sanchez's House

12:13 Banditry and Contraband on the Old Spanish Trail

13:18 The Case of the Stolen Turkeys

20:52 Rebellion Against Governor Micheltorena

25:17 Failed Negotiations and Micheltorena's Dilemma

30:16 Conclusion and Reflections on Coronel's Memoirs

Purchase a copy of Tales of Mexican California. 

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