Monterey to host live reenactment of 1849 California Constitutional Convention

MONTEREY – This weekend – almost exactly 173 years after California’s first constitution was completed and signed in Monterey – the city is bringing back an annual testament to the landmark accomplishment not held since 2019.

On Sunday, Monterey’s Museums and Cultural Arts Division is hosting a live reenactment of the 1849 California Constitutional Convention at Colton Hall from 2-4 p.m. Though usually held as part of the city’s yearly History Fest, which is not returning this year, the convention reenactment is resuming as a standalone event.

“With the reenactment, we’re excited to have it back. …It means a lot to us,” said Jordan Leininger, artifacts specialist with the city of Monterey. “All of our museums are not open as often as they were before the pandemic. …We love having these events that get a lot of people into the museums. We’re excited to have some of that normalcy, especially with Colton Hall as one of the most historical sites in California.”

For a month and a half in 1849, Colton Hall was the site of arduous debate that ultimately formed the foundation for California’s statehood. The 43-day fall convention brought together 48 delegates of varying interests and backgrounds to draft the document needed to govern newly acquired western land after the Mexican-American War.

Key issues that came up during the convention included slavery, suffrage, who could hold an elected office, education and women’s property rights. The final constitution was signed on Oct. 13, 1849. It was published in both English and Spanish.

Leininger said the convention is important for the city to commemorate because “it goes over our cultural diversity and shows how California was started as a progressive state.”

“This event showcases… different cultures, different people (and) different countries coming together as a unified front to make a brand new state at the time,” he continued. “It just shows that with all the turmoil happening in the world today, (the 1849 convention) was one of the better events that happened in history, and we’re proud of what it represents for us and the state.”

Performed by a locally-based troupe, this weekend’s reenactment will highlight pivotal moments and debates of the convention, Leininger explained. Event seating is limited, and reservations are required to attend. Those interested can register athttps://bit.ly/3CpfJkw

Meanwhile, speaking to the return of History Fest in full, Leininger said he hopes to have the multi-day celebration back next year but couldn’t say for sure it would see a revival.