On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Scholarship Committee and CMF Staff, we would like to thank everyone who attended the recent 42nd Annual California Missions and Presidios Conference presented by CMF at Mission San José. It was truly a memorable weekend at a site where the very first full Missions Conference was held in 1985.

The recent two-day gathering brought together many who are involved in telling the story of the California Missions and Presidios, and many who are dedicated to preserving and conserving these California treasures.

The annual conference, held this year over President's Day weekend, began on Friday with a well-attended docent gathering and collaboration. Docents from throughout the state represented a wide-range of historic sites. Everyone came to Mission San José to learn, to network and to join their fellow colleagues — all dedicated to the history of the California Missions and Presidios. A great group of speakers representing Native Americans, archaeologists and historians delighted the crowd of docents who gathered in the Parish Hall at Mission San José.

Following the docent gathering, conference participants enjoyed a tour of the entire mission complex led by Ohlone descendant and former California Missions Foundation board member Andrew Galvan. His ancestors resided throughout the Bay Area, and his family members continue to live on these lands today.

Later, following the CMF-hosted reception and registration, the conference focus moved to inside the mission church. The evening began with welcoming comments from CMF Chairman Michael H. Imwalle and Father Anthony Le, the pastor at Mission San José.

The annual membership meeting then took place where CMF activities during the last 12 months were reviewed for the entire membership. The membership meeting included a re-cap of the organization’s finances. Other topics included CMF’s popular fourth grade "All-Aboard-the- Bus" Field Trip Program, and a variety of completed and on-going preservation projects supporting the California Missions and related historic sites.

As the annual membership meeting concluded, Andrew Galvan then introduced Dr. Lee Panich to give the conference keynote. Dr. Panich delved into the area’s important and interesting Ohlone history.

The conference opening day concluded with a spectacular musical performance by the Mission San José Orchestra under the direction of Ronald McKean.

Moving to Day Two, Saturday saw a full day of papers that informed and educated those in attendance covering a variety of topics on California mission and presidio history. The conference concluded Saturday evening with the annual CMF awards ceremony. It was an opportunity to recognize three outstanding individuals for their many years of service. Fr. Jack Clark Robinson, O.F.M. received the Norman Neuerberg Award, Patty West received the Edna Kimbro Award and Dr. John Johnson received the Knox Mellon CMF Lifetime Achievement Award. All in all, it was a memorable 42nd Annual Conference.

The California Missions Foundation would again like to thank everyone who joined us at Mission San José and also those who continue to support our organization. The participation of our members and supporters allows us to continue to focus on preservation, education and keeping alive the story of the California missions and presidios.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Father Anthony Le and his outstanding team at Mission San José for hosting us. They truly opened their mission doors in such a welcoming way.

Until next year...