A five-part series taught by Dr. Dale S. Brenneman, Associate Curator of Documentary History
Fr. Eusebio Francisco Kino’s 1696-97 map, drawn to illustrate the biography of the martyred Jesuit Fr. Francisco Saeta.
When
Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Arizona time)
In person (space is limited) or on Zoom
In late November 1751 thousands of O’odham rose up in a coordinated, violent revolt that caught Spaniards entirely by surprise but ultimately ended in defeat of the rebels and the establishment of two new presidios in their midst. Official investigations conducted over three years into the revolt’s causes produced a massive body of letters, reports, and testimonies representing Spanish governmental and military authorities, Jesuit missionaries, and Spanish and mestizo settlers, as well as numerous O’odham and a few Yaqui individuals. Dr. Dale Brenneman will explore the diverse perspectives represented in these materials, examining political circumstances, cultural beliefs, and personal motivations influencing the texts.
Session 1: Introduction to the O’odham Revolt and Its Documentary Record
An overview of the O’odham (aka “Pima”) Revolt of 1751–52 will broadly cover the sequence of events during the uprising and its aftermath as well as developments leading up to its outbreak. Discussion will include the nature and limitations of the documentary record informing studies of the revolt.
Session 2: Gathering Information Amidst Panic and Rumor
Over the first two months following the uprising, the governor mobilizes military forces while seeking information on the rebels’ whereabouts, the reasons for their uprising, and their plans for further hostilities. His overtures of peace, via O’odham emissaries, produce the first O’odham reports of O’odham grievances. Concurrently, the governor probes the rash execution of an O’odham accused of co-leading the revolt.
Session 3: More Than One Man’s Grievances
As peace returns to the province, the governor conducts a comprehensive inquiry among various surrendering O’odham from a range of villages (including the revolt’s two leaders), settlers, and soldiers. Information gathered from sworn testimonies and military reports prompt him to blame the Jesuit missionaries and their overseers for circumstances causing the rebellion.
Session 4: A Power Shift and Changing Stances
A change of governors in 1753 introduces a new political regime; the revolt’s two recognized leaders are imprisoned, charged with instigating another rebellion; and the Jesuits conduct their own investigation in 1754.
Session 5: Evaluating and Reconciling the Many Truths
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$200 in person (includes campus parking, coffee and light snacks)
$150 on Zoom
Amount paid over $120 is a tax-deductible gift.
Register now. Payment won't be due until two months prior.
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About Your Instructor
Dale S. Brenneman, Ph.D., is Associate Curator of Documentary History and heads the Office of Ethnohistorical Research at the Arizona State Museum. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 2004. Her current research focuses on the history of O’odham negotiation of colonialism, working from the Spanish documentary record and in consultation with O’odham colleagues. Dr. Brenneman also serves on the board of directors of the Southwestern Mission Research Center and edits its publication, the SMRC Revista.