East Bay Anza 250 Symposium Celebrates Historic Trail

Event at Los Medanos College on April 11, 2026 to explore the legacy of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:09am

The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium is a collaborative event that will explore the impact of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition on the East Bay region, honor Indigenous legacies, and foster dialogue about how this history informs the present. The symposium will feature live performances, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and an exhibit hall with cultural exhibitions and displays.

Why it matters

The Anza expedition profoundly shaped California's history and continues to influence communities today. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the 250th anniversary of the Anza expedition provides an opportunity to commemorate the complicated and fascinating history of the Anza Trail National Historic Trail.

The details

The symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9AM to 4PM at the Los Medanos College Student Union in Pittsburg, California. The event will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and an exhibit hall showcasing local historical societies and land management agencies. An optional 8AM walk along the trail that intersects the LMC campus will also be offered.

  • The Anza expedition arrived at their destination in what would become San Francisco on June 27, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia.
  • The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Grassroots Poetry

A collaborative organization hosting the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium.

Los Medanos College Honors Program

A co-host of the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium, which will be held on the LMC campus.

National Park Service

The agency that manages the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which covers over 1,200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities.

Anza Trail Foundation

A partner organization supporting the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Anza expedition.

Contra Costa County Historical Society

A local historical society participating in the symposium's exhibit hall.

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What they’re saying

“Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States.”

— LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Historical Society

What’s next

The East Bay Park District's Delta de Anza Regional Trail, which commemorates the route taken during the Anza expedition, is currently over 15 miles long and will eventually span 25 miles when completed.

The takeaway

The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium provides an opportunity for the community to come together and explore the complex legacy of the Anza expedition, honoring Indigenous histories and considering how this pivotal moment in California's past continues to shape the present.