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[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] SANTA MONICA, CA – Join Santa Monica Conservancy and Santa Monica Public Library for an evening of storytelling, Untold Stories with Sharon Reyes: The History of the Marquez-Reyes Family, on Wednesday, October 8.

Reception: Historic Shotgun House at 2520 Second Street (5:00-6:15 p.m.)
Talk & Q&A: Ocean Park Library at 2601 Main Street (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

The program starts at the Historic Shotgun House with the unveiling of exhibition panels on Rancho life in Santa Monica, followed by a talk and Q&A at Ocean Park Library between Sharon Reyes and historian Nina Fresco, featuring never-before-seen historic photos from Sharon’s personal collection. Attendees may RSVP for Untold Stories with Sharon Reyes on Eventbrite.

Honoring the Marquez-Reyes Family Legacy

When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican government awarded land grants to Mexican citizens who met specific requirements: be a person of good character; provide a diseño (drawn map) of the requested land; stock the land with at least 500 head of cattle; plant fruit trees; and build a house within a year. In 1839, Ysidro Reyes and Francisco Marquez were granted Rancho Boca de Santa Monica with full ownership of the land. To this day, the Reyes and Marquez family members are significant contributors to the rich cultural history, genealogy, and influence of Mexican American families in Santa Monica.

While the family has influenced the larger Southern California region, this event will focus on their experiences in Santa Monica and Santa Monica Canyon.

New Collection Highlights Mexican Presence

Untold Stories follows an event on September 20, piloting Santa Monica Public Library’s new Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Collection, a collection of images and oral histories of generations of Mexican American families whose histories are woven into Santa Monica’s culture and environment. Learn more here.

About Santa Monica Conservancy

The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the city’s historic places and cultural heritage. Through walking tours, educational programs, and community events, the Conservancy helps foster deeper connections between residents, visitors, and the stories that shape Santa Monica.

About Santa Monica Public Library

The Santa Monica Public Library serves as a vibrant hub for learning, culture, and community connection. Committed to fostering literacy, lifelong learning, civic engagement, and cultural awareness, the Library champions values of equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Guided by its vision to preserve the past, serve the present, and shape the future, the Library’s mission is to provide resources, services, and welcoming spaces that inspire the community to read, connect, relax, and learn.

Media Contact:
Melina Castorillo, Communications Associate
Santa Monica Conservancy
melina@smconservancy.org

 

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