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Discovering Monterey 1000: A Year of Heritage and Exploration

As the United States celebrates its upcoming 250th anniversary, Monterey County is set to immerse its visitors in a captivating journey through time with the launch of Monterey 1000. This year-long storytelling initiative invites guests to explore over a thousand years of the region's history, shedding light on the people, cultures, and moments that have shaped its identity.

Connecting Past and Present

Monterey County is not just a beautiful destination; it's a tapestry woven from Indigenous stewardship, groundbreaking exploration, and vibrant cultural evolution. From the age of exploration and settlement through agriculture, literature, music, and conservation, Monterey 1000 connects significant historical milestones to the landscapes and communities that people enjoy today.

Rob O'Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey, emphasizes that this initiative offers true storytelling that bridges history with present-day experiences. "Travelers and residents will not only walk through the County but relive the moments that define it," he says, highlighting the deep connections that exist between Monterey's storied past and its vibrant present.

A Curated Experience

Under the guidance of lead curator Brian Edwards, the annual program will roll out new content continuously throughout 2026. Edwards, who works as the city's library and museums director, is collaborating with local historians, writers, and artists to showcase a variety of engaging stories through written, visual, and video formats.

"This initiative allows for in-depth exploration of the influential ideas that have shaped Monterey County across centuries and showcases how history continues to resonate today through the communities and landscapes we experience," shares Edwards. This editorial approach promises captivating insights into the local culture and heritage, ensuring visitors grasp the significance of their surroundings.

Engaging Stories and Experiences

As Monterey 1000 unfolds, various themes will be highlighted each month, including:

• - The significant "firsts" of Monterey County, spanning early governance milestones to conservation achievements.
• - The rise of agriculture in the Salinas Valley—a region recognized as the "Salad Bowl of the World"—where visitors can savor the legacies of local farms.
• - Music, art, and cultural movements that have placed Monterey on the global stage, celebrating the artistic traditions that persist today.
• - The renowned wine country, where both climate and terroir have contributed to Monterey's evolution into a unique wine region, inviting travelers to taste the fruits of these traditions.

Moreover, the initiative aligns with See Monterey's commitment to sustainable travel through its The Right Path initiative, encouraging visitors to honor local heritage while experiencing the beauty of the landscapes and seascapes responsibly.

A Rich Tapestry to Explore

Travelers can partake in a multitude of hands-on experiences, such as kayaking in Monterey Bay, discovering the area's Indigenous histories, enjoying the legacy of the ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and immersing themselves in the enduring world of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. These activities not only highlight significant historical events but also reveal Monterey County's ongoing conservation efforts.

As events and experiences continue to unfold throughout the year, visitors will find themselves enriched by living history. Each month promises new discoveries that connect them to the past as they explore their surroundings. For more information and to follow the Monterey 1000 journey, visit SeeMonterey.com/Monterey1000.

About See Monterey

See Monterey is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting tourism within Monterey County. With a dedication to responsible tourism, the organization plays a crucial role in maximizing both community prosperity and economic vitality. By 2024, travel spending in the region was projected to reach $3.1 billion, supporting thousands of jobs and yielding significant tax revenue for local communities. To learn more about how to explore Monterey County responsibly, visit SeeMonterey.com.