CALIFORNIA'S SITES OF CONSCIENCE: An Analysis of the State's Historic Mission Museums

In C alifornia, F ranciscan mission “museums” are used to supplement K –12 curricula about N ative A merican history and the settlement of the state. Heavily influenced by the local C atholic diocese, many of these sites offer a slanted view of history and a distorted version of native life in the missions and erase the presence of native people today. I critically analyzed visual representations at the 19 operating mission museums, with in‐depth research at six, and explored what emerged as the dominant narratives. I argue that as important sites of conscience, the mission museums miss valuable opportunities to educate the public and potentially heal past wrongs. Finally, I offer insights and suggestions for addressing misrepresentations, through sustained community engagement, for mission museum directors and staff who expressed a desire to do so.