Roots of Resilience at the San Gabriel River Park
This Saturday, the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe is proud to participate in the San Gabriel River Park's "Roots of Resilience" event celebrating Black History Month.
Our volunteer Kathleen Rabago will be sharing stories about the Anza expedition, with a focus on María Arballo—Pío Pico's maternal grandmother and a woman of African and Indigenous ancestry who was part of the historic 1775-1776 journey that brought Spanish colonial settlers to Alta California.
About the Anza Expedition
The Anza expedition was a colonizing journey from Sonora, Mexico to Alta California led by Juan Bautista de Anza. The expedition included about 240 people—families of European, Indigenous, and African descent who would become some of California's earliest settlers. Women like María Arballo played essential roles in establishing Spanish colonial presence in California, and their stories reveal the complex, multiracial reality of our region's history.
Community Beyond Our Walls
We believe in community, and we're honored to share our knowledge beyond the Adobe. Supporting our neighbors at San Gabriel River Park and highlighting the diverse histories that shaped our region is part of our commitment to telling complete, honest stories about Southern California.
Event Information
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: San Gabriel River Park, 255 S. San Fidel Ave., La Puente, CA 91746
Admission: FREE
The event features:
Black History Trail Walk
Arts n' Crafts
Animal Ambassador Presentations
Live Entertainment & Games
Educational Exhibitors
Refreshments
Stop by the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum table to chat with Kathleen and learn more about this fascinating piece of California history.
For more information about the Anza expedition: the National Park Service has published research as part of their "Women's History in the Pacific West" series: María Feliciana Arballo.