In this interview, I speak with Helena Hazleton, Director of the Museum at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside, California. In this captivating conversation, Helena shares her expertise on one of the largest and most productive California missions.
Main topics of Part 1:
- The unique history and founding of Mission San Luis Rey in 1798
- How the mission survived the devastating 1812 earthquake
- The story of Father Antonio Peyri and his influence on the mission’s success
- The remarkable tale of Pablo Tac, a young Luiseño who wrote a grammar of his native language
- The mission’s decline during Mexican rule and its abandonment
- Abraham Lincoln’s role in returning the mission lands to the Catholic Church
Helena provides fascinating insights into the mission’s architecture, its relationship with local indigenous peoples, and its place in California history. This interview offers a wealth of knowledge about one of the state’s most important historical sites.
Main topics of Part 2:
- The mission’s unique architecture, including its distinctive dome and lavandería
- Rare Spanish colonial artworks, some with surprising origins
- Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacagawea, and his role at the mission
- How Mexican and Irish Franciscans worked to restore the mission
- Connections to Aztec and Maya art and the mission’s adaptation to frontier life
- The historic mission cemetery
After listening to this episode, I’m sure you will want to visit the King of the Missions.
