Welcome!
The Southwestern Mission Research Center is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. We’re committed to the cause of supporting Spanish Borderlands research and education. Our Kino Missions tours introduce people to the history and culture of the Pimería Alta, in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico and Arizona. Proceeds from these tours enable us to sponsor important scholarship on a broader level, assist with publications, and promote education. Furthermore we engage in cooperative restoration projects with the mission communities.
Explore our website to learn more about Spanish colonial missions. Most of all you will find out about the work of the Southwestern Mission Research Center.
Upcoming SMRC Mission Tours
Retrace the steps of Father Kino and the missionaries who followed him. You’ll be guided by scholars and enthusiasts who know and love the region. Most noteworthy they volunteer their time to share their knowledge of the Spanish borderlands missions with others.
In the News…
“The Moorish Southwest: African & Arabic Influences in the Borderlands” Tour at Tubac Presidio
Join Alex La Pierre for the “The Moorish Southwest: African & Arabic Influences in the Borderlands” tour on Saturday, October 14, 2023, sponsored by Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac, in partnership with Borderlandia, Tumacacori, Arizona. Guests will be...
“Beef, Wheat & Chiltepín: Sonora’s Culinary Heritage” Presentation at Tubac Presidio
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, head on over to the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park for a “Beef, Wheat & Chiltepín: Sonora’s Culinary Heritage” presentation by Alex La Pierre. Find out how the confluence of geography, environments, cultures, economics, and...
Archaeology Café – “Tame or Wild? Emergent Ranching Cultures of Spanish Colonial Pimería Alta” Online Lecture
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, join Archaeology Café's "Tame or Wild? Emergent Ranching Cultures of Spanish Colonial Pimería Alta” free online lecture with Nicole Mathwich, PhD, presented by Archaeology Southwest. This free Zoom lecture will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m....
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SMRC REVISTA
Highlights recent news and events, feature articles, and notes on recently published books and articles pertaining to the Spanish Borderlands.