Free Pasados del Presidio Events Mark Presidio History
Presidio of San Francisco (June 19, 2007) — Beginning June 23, the Presidio will host the annual Pasados del Presidio, a series of public programs commemorating San Francisco’s birthday and the founding of the Presidio. Most events take place at the Presidio Officers’ Club, located at 50 Moraga Avenue.
The Presidio of San Francisco was founded more than 230 years ago, in 1776, when a group of soldiers and pioneering families, led by Spain’s Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza, completed their long trip from Mexico to the bay in Alta California. They settled here and built El Presidio, a fortified settlement. From this modest beginning, the City of San Francisco was born.
Visitors can learn about the early native, Spanish and Mexican cultures that helped shape the Presidio and San Francisco at the following Pasados del Presidio events:
Saturday, June 23, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Kids on Trails along the Anza Trail. Experience the Anza Trail at Mountain Lake and get a free copy of the new KIDS on Trails self-guided tour (great for ages 5-10). Learn about early Californians in 1776, enjoy a cup of Yerba Buena tea, and a hike around the lake. Meet at Mountain Lake Playground.
Tuesday, June 26, from 7-8 pm
Join anthropologist, archaeologist and author Betty Goerke for an evening talk: “Chief Marin – Leader, Rebel Legend.” Explore the history of Marin County’s namesake and his people, the Coast Miwok. Book signing will follow. Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue.
Wednesday, June 27, 11 am-Noon
Join descendants of early California for the historic Los Californianos Ceremony, an annual celebration of San Francisco’s Birthday and the founding of the Presidio. Main Post, Pershing Square Post Flagpole (Graham Moraga).
Thursday, June 28, from 7-8 pm
Rose Marie Beebe and Robert M. Senkewicz present a slide talk and book signing of their recent publication: “Testimonios – Early California through the Eyes of Women 1815-184.” Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue
Friday, June 29, 11 am-4 pm
Join us for family fun at “Passport Through Time.” Kids can try out early California music and dance, uncover the Presidio’s past with park archaeologists, and meet Ohlone and early California descendants. There will be recreations of early California rancho life and an opportunity to get a taste of 18th century cooking. Food will also be available for purchase. Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue
Friday, June 29, 7-9 pm
“Evening Fandango,” a lively evening concert with the renowned Coro Hispano de San Francisco directed by Juan Pedro Gaffney R. with Cascada de Flores and dancers from Los Lupenos de San José presenting the songs dances of early California. Food available for purchase. Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue. A free evening PresidiGo shuttle will run until 9 pm to connect visitors to MUNI 43 45
Presidio Pasados is a commemoration of the early native, Spanish and Mexican cultures that helped shape San Francisco. It is also a celebration of this unique national park’s cultural heritage. This year’s event is sponsored by the Presidio Trust and National Park Service. For more information, call (415) 561-5500.