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people constructing a mission building

Lantern slide of a drawing by Alexander Harmer, BUILDING A MISSION, California, late 1800s to early 1900s. Autry Museum; LS.2868

California Missions

Resource Type
Primary Source Collection
Grade Level:
K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12, 12+
Discipline:
Social Studies
Topic:
Native Americans, California

The Autry collections don't tell the full story, but provide a part of story of the American West. The objects in each Collection Topic were chosen to convey the various stories of the West but were also chosen for to encompass various time periods when possible, a variety of mediums, and different subject matter - ie. objects, landscapes, people. Both students and teachers can use the primary sources for more in-depth study of certain topics and for presentations.

Collection

Access pdf HERE

Lesson Resource

Lesson: Primary Source Collection Analysis

Student Response Sheet: Primary Source Collection Analysis Student Response Sheet - Fillable

Teaching Tips

  • Curate: Students choose 3 objects from the Collection Topic and write why they chose those objects to represent the topic.
  • Compare: Students choose 2 objects from the Collection Topic and compare the stories told in each object.
  • Corroborate: Students choose 1 object from the Collection Topic and write down the story it tells. Students then find 1 additional object that corroborates or supports the same story and explains how or why.

Citations

For Citing Autry Collections, please use the following format:

[First sentence of Remarks], [Maker if not in remarks]. [Credit line], Autry Museum; Object ID #

Examples:

Photograph of a mission document with the signature of Father Junipero Serra, California, early 1900s. Gift of Mr. George Wharton James, Autry Museum; P.18695

Mission Indian basket tray, probably Cahuilla, sumac coiled on a deergrass bundle foundation, design in natural juncus, acquired by the Museum 1939. The George Wharton James Collection, Autry Museum; 421.G.1466

Educational Programs at the Autry are sponsored by:

Dean and Laura Beresford · Molly and Neal Brockmeyer · Vince and Colleen Caballero · Capital Group · David F. Eisenberg · The Georgina-Fredrick Children's Foundation · Christy McAvoy · Marleen and Bruce Rognlien · Robert E. Ronus · Brenda and Gary Ruttenberg · The Steinmetz Foundation · Virginia F. Stevenson · Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

The Autry Museum in Griffith Park

4700 Western Heritage Way

Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
Located northeast of downtown, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors.

MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.