History is all about connections
One of the best things about being immersed in history is sharing remarkable but little-known stories with audiences in person. At book talks, attendees' enthusiastic response to my big-picture, contextual approach has been gratifying, motivating—and fun. One person wrote: " Thank you for a wonderful presentation . . . the way you folded in the history of the migrations of peoples, geography, geology and cultural influences kept every one of us captivated. I really think your book should be made into a mini-series for the History Channel! Even my 20-year-old son was completely enchanted and enjoyed every moment of your talk."
Well, that was a nice thing to say! We're all interested in local history - the stories of where we live. But local history is even more interesting if we learn about its eye-opening connections to the history of all people, everywhere. So that's been the core of my "mission."
On A Mission has just been released in its updated, revised second edition, and I'm excited to be making progress with my book about the Southwest: Collision of Cultures. One thing about history . . . there's so dang much of it!
Be sure to read my book
On a Mission: The Real Story of the California Missions
​
LOOKING FOR A FABULOUS CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP?
My full-color book is an essential travel companion and a beautiful, reasonably priced gift. IF YOU CAN'T FIND A COPY at one of the online sources or if you'd like to send your FEEDBACK OR CORRECTIONS, I'd love to hear from you: JanetDSands@gmail.com.
WHAT'S IN IT: The Spanish missions of California tell a far-reaching and complex story that's an essential part of United States history. Learn about California's prehistory; understand the Spanish missions' global context and their impact on native people. Read how the missions were built, about the Californio era and its legacy, how the missions were saved from near-obliteration, the origins of mission style, rare art in the missions, and much more.
THE GUIDE SECTION offers wonderful road trip itineraries, along with updated travel trips for dining and lodging and ideas for exploring some of California's most beautiful and uncrowded wine regions.
AVAILABLE ONLINE: Google "On A Mission by Janet Dowling Sands" for the online stores that carry my book. One good source is the Museum Store at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
Praise for On a Mission
​
I have LOVED your book! So well researched, written, and illustrated!
-Harry B. Chandler, Los Angeles, California
(attendee at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum talk, March 2023)
​
A remarkable book . . . very approachable and readable . . . it handles different viewpoints very delicately and respectfully regarding the role of the missions in the Spanish Imperial endeavor and the impact on indigenous communities in California.
-Dr. Monica Orozco, Director, Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library
​
A lot of information is packed into 324-plus pages! On a Mission is loaded with great pictures, too . . . You might be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive look at California's mission history.
-Monica Z. Young, in Revista, Quarterly of the Southwestern Mission Research Center
​
I didn't realize how late it was . . . but when I got home I made the 'mistake' of opening your book . . . two hours later, I was still wide awake and fully engrossed in reading it! This is exactly the sort of book I have been looking for since my first visit to the Santa Barbara mission years ago. . . it definitely deserves to be seen and read by anyone who has the faintest interest in the missions of California.
-Helen Fairley, US Geologic Survey
​
Forget about the other books, this one covers the whole history!
-Vera Svalgaard De Geest, attendee at SPPARKS talk on January 28, 2021
​
Our docents frequently meet visitors who excitedly claim, "This is the final one! We've been to all the missions." If you have an inclination to make that journey, there would be no better guide and assistant than "On a Mission" by Sands.
-Tom Martin, Docent Book Club, Sonoma Petaluma State Parks GAZETTE
​
I'm so enjoying your amazing "mission journey" and just overwhelmed by the detail and masterful compilation of artistic renderings with a travel pack!
What an accomplishment.
-Karl Dennison, Phoenix, Arizona
I absolutely loved it! The approach is unique: a tour with information on dining and lodging, combined with how mission history is linked to world history.
-Dr. Karl Hutterer, Director Emeritus, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
​
​
​
​
Gallery
On A Mission contains over 300 color illustrations, including my own photographs and original watercolors and many historic images.
