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AP17:061

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2017
Contact:
Sam Mahood or Jesse Melgar
(916) 653-6575

State Archives Launches Digital Exhibit on California Missions

SACRAMENTO – The California State Archives has launched its latest online exhibit: “California's Missions: Decline and Revival.” This exhibit is part of a newly launched collection by Google Arts and Culture tracing the history of Latino cultures. 

Click here to view “California's Missions: Decline and Revival” 

“While the California missions remain some of our state's most iconic landmarks, their legacy in the destruction of native cultures during European settlement must also be recognized,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “The State Archives’ exhibit examines both the significance that the mission system played in shaping California, as well as the harsh realities of the indigenous people forced to live and work in the missions. Utilizing historical images and artifacts from the State Archives, we can better understand our state’s past.” 

The exhibit uses rare photos, sketches, art, and historical accounts to trace the rise of the Missions, their decline during Mexican independence, and the restoration of these historic buildings during the late 19^th and 20^th centuries. Many of the images and items featured in the exhibit are over a hundred years old. 

This is the State Archives’ eleventh online exhibit to be hosted by Google Arts & Culture.  Secretary Padilla has made digitizing the treasurers of the State Archives a priority. 

About Google Arts & Culture

Google Arts & Culture is a new, immersive way to experience art, history, culture and world wonders from over a thousand organizations worldwide. Google Arts & Culture has been created by the Google Cultural Institute and it is available for free for everyone on the web, on iOS and Android. Read more here. 

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