East Bay Anza 250 Symposium

For Immediate Release

Martinez, California – March 5, 2026

EAST BAY ANZA 250 SYMPOSIUM – Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Los Medanos College, Pittsburg, CA

The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9AM-4PM and is a collaborative gathering that explores the expedition’s impact on the East Bay, honors Indigenous legacies, and fosters dialogue about how this history informs our present.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, land managers, historians, educators, and civic leaders across the East Bay formed the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium committee dedicated to exploring a parallel milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition. This journey profoundly shaped California’s history and continues to influence our communities today.

On June 27, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia, the colonists of the Anza expedition arrived at their destination in what would become San Francisco. Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States. In 2025 and 2026, the Anza Trail invites communities along the historic path of the 1775-76 colonizing expedition to commemorate the complicated and evermore fascinating history of the paths and events that make up this National Historic Trail.

Symposium registration $30 for the public or $20 for students and seniors. Lunch is included in your registration fee. To register, please visit the Eventbrite site for Grassroots Poetry or use the QR code below.

Exhibit Hall: Our Exhibit Hall is a testament to the power of community partnership. The exhibit hall is a collaborative space showcasing exhibits and information from local historical societies and land management agencies. Connect with local experts in this dedicated space for a deeper, context-rich understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Anza Trail.

Speakers: Our speaker series brings together a vibrant tapestry of voices to explore the multifaceted legacy of the Anza Expedition. By pairing the scholarly insights of local historians and naturalists with the deeply personal narratives of expedition descendants, we aim to provide an inclusive history that honors the trail’s complex past.

Panels: Join our interdisciplinary panels, featuring local historians, expert naturalists, and descendants of the expedition, for a compelling look at the impact of Anza 250 years later. These sessions bring together diverse voices to explore the environmental, cultural, and personal history of the trail, offering a unique, in-depth, and engaging perspective on this historic journey.

Event Information:

The Event is Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 9AM until 4PM with a lunch break at noon.

An optional walk will take place along the trail that intersects with LMC at 8AM

All members of the community are invited to join us and enjoy the speakers, poets, and music guests!

About our location:

Los Medanos College, Student Union , 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565

We encourage all symposium attendees to consider alternate ways to get to campus. You can bike, walk, carpool, or take public transportation! If you plan to arrive by car, parking is free on the day of the event. More information about how to get to campus here: LMC Transportation and Parking Information

Thank you to all our partners for your support:

● Grassroots Poetry

● Independent Arts and Media

● Los Medanos College Honors Program

● National Park Service

● Anza Trail Foundation

● Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

● Contra Costa County Historical Society

● Museum of the San Ramon Valley

Press Contact:

Dwayne Eubanks- Chair, East Bay Anza 250 Symposium

Email: EastBayAnza@gmail.com, Telephone (925) 212-9636

Tickets available on Eventbrite using the QR code