About Us
Mission Statement:
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association honors the heritage of our ancestors by promoting Spanish culture, researching ancestral lineage and fostering partnerships.
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association was formed in 2023, after the inaugural International Congress of Spanish Emigrants to Hawaii and California (1880-1930). 57 Spanish Hawaiian descendants from Arizona, California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania attended the conference.
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This initial congress was held by Club Universo Extremeño in Jarandilla de la Vera, Coria, and Cáceres from October 26-28, 2022, and in Malaga from October 29-November 4, 2022. It recognized the 8,000 Spanish emigrants who embarked from the port of Malaga and Gibraltar between 1907 and 1913 bound for the sugar cane plantations of the Hawaiian Islands on the ships; SS Heliopolis (1907), SS Orteric (1911), SS Willesden (1911), SS Ascot (1913) and SS Willesden (1913). Due to difficult conditions on plantations, many families later left for California. Their descendants still live in the state and across the US. Primary researchers and conference organizers were Manuel Trinidad of the University of Extremadura, and Miguel Alba Trujillo, of the University of Malaga.
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Attendees came home inspired and passionate about forming an association to promote our Spanish Heritage for future generations. The association has twenty-one active members in various committees advising conference arrangements. In addition to planning for the 2025 conference, the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association consists of an Executive Board and three committees; Ancestor Committee, Cultural Committee, and Partnership Committee.
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Learn More
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Discover the intersection of two rich cultural tapestries on the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association's website. Immerse yourself in a journey that transcends oceans and centuries, weaving together the unique stories of Spanish and Hawaiian heritage.
Unearth your familial roots through our comprehensive genealogy section, where meticulous research and historical records come together to paint a vivid picture of your ancestry. Trace the steps of your forebears through our curated ship manifests, shedding light on the voyages that brought Spanish and Hawaiian families together in the Pacific.
Stay connected with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our members' portal. Share stories, insights, and a passion for preserving the intricate web of traditions that define our shared heritage. Whether you're a descendant eager to explore your lineage or an enthusiast captivated by the blend of Spanish and Hawaiian cultures, our members' space is your digital home.
Engage with the heartbeat of our association through a calendar of events that celebrate the richness of our shared history. From cultural festivals to educational seminars, discover opportunities to immerse yourself in the spirit of aloha and deepen your connection to the Spanish Hawaiian narrative.
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association invites you to become an active participant in our mission. Explore volunteer opportunities that allow you to contribute to the preservation of our cultural legacy. Your involvement can make a tangible impact on the ongoing work of safeguarding and promoting the unique heritage that binds us together.
Support our cause by considering a donation. Your generosity fuels our efforts to maintain this digital repository of history, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and appreciate the confluence of Spanish and Hawaiian cultures. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in sustaining the legacy we hold dear.
Navigate our user-friendly website to access a wealth of information and resources. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a newcomer curious about the Spanish Hawaiian narrative, our platform is designed to cater to all levels of interest. Discover articles, documents, and multimedia content that offer a deeper understanding of the historical ties that bind these two remarkable cultures.
Embrace the opportunity to become part of a community that cherishes and preserves the Spanish Hawaiian legacy. The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association welcomes you with open arms to explore, engage, and contribute to the rich mosaic of our shared history. ¡Bienvenidos! Join us on this digital voyage of discovery where the stories of the past converge with the present, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural tapestry that is uniquely Spanish Hawaiian.
Members
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association consists of an Executive Board and three committees;
Ancestor Committee, Cultural Committee and Partnership Committee.
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Ancestor Committee: The Ancestor Committee is actively working on developing a webpage featuring ship manifests that will be linked to Spanish Hawaiian emigrants and existing public family trees. This initiative aims to assist descendants in learning about their ancestors and locating their families in Spain and the US. Additionally, the committee will provide support and guidance on the tools and processes involved in building family trees.
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Committee Chair: John Maria
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Cultural Committee: Responsible for the planning of the 2025 Conference and dedicated to achieving shared goals through cultural activities, research, celebration, and the preservation of histories. The committee is supported by researchers from prominent institutions and aims to celebrate and recognize Spanish Hawaiians as a diaspora. The conference will feature Spanish cultural activities, providing an opportunity to explore the heritage of ancestors and reunite attendees with Spanish relatives through academic panels, keynotes, meals, music, and dance.
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Committee Co-chair: Beverly Baker
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Committee Co-chair: Faithann Biagini
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Committee Co-chair: Kristen La Follette
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Partnership Committee: Focused on collaborating with Spanish Clubs in California to promote Spanish heritage and revive membership in these clubs. Additionally, the committee aims to assist California cities in forming Sister Cities partnerships with cities in Spain.
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SPHHA Website Committee: (www.sphha.org) Facility to learn about the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association, Genealogy Resources, history of the Spanish Hawaiian and culture, information on local Spanish Clubs and cultural events, Spanish businesses and resources in the area, SHHA membership sign up and donations.
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Committee Webmaster: Amber Pato McQuinn​
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Newsletter Committee: The Newsletter Committee is responsible for producing a quarterly newsletter that will be distributed to SHHA Members and those on the SHHA Email list. The newsletter will feature a diverse range of content, including articles, a "Taste of Spain" section with recipes, interviews with Spanish descendants and academics from Spain, updates on other Spanish groups in the Bay Area, stories about Spanish families, interesting facts and information about Spain and Spanish Hawaiians, and updates from SHHA committees such as Cultural Events, Ancestry, Partnerships, and Newsletter.
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Committee Chair: Gloria Lopez​
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Our Mission
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association honors the heritage of our ancestors by promoting Spanish culture, researching ancestral lineage and fostering partnerships.
Our Vision
In envisioning the future of the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association's website, we aspire to be the paramount digital gateway that unites and honors the rich tapestry of Spanish and Hawaiian heritage.
Our vision is to provide a dynamic platform that empowers individuals to delve into their ancestral roots through genealogy, explore historical maritime connections via meticulously curated ship manifests, and actively engage with a vibrant community of like-minded enthusiasts.
We envision a virtual space that not only preserves the unique cultural blend of Spanish and Hawaiian traditions but also fosters a deep sense of belonging and shared identity.
As we look ahead, our goal is to inspire a profound appreciation for this extraordinary heritage, connecting generations and fostering a collective commitment to its ongoing preservation. Through a seamless blend of history, tradition, and community, we aim to establish the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association's website as a beacon of cultural celebration and understanding.