The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation’s (SBTHP) exhibit, Manongs on the Central Coast: Forming Communities Across Generations, will be on view throughout April at the Grossman Gallery in the Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Ave.
The exhibit explores the history and lived experiences of Filipino Americans on California’s Central Coast.
Through photographs, oral histories, family documents, and multigenerational narratives, the exhibit highlights the contributions and resilience of the Manong generation — Filipino men who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century and helped shape the region’s agricultural, hospitality, and retail industries.
SBTHP premiered the exhibit with an opening program on Aug. 25 featuring a panel of contributors moderated by Dez Alaniz, director of the Presidio Research Center at SBTHP; and Shannon Toribio, Ph.D. student in UCSB’s Religious Studies Department.
“This exhibit builds on the oral histories and materials that have been donated by trusting and generous community members, many of whom are descendants of the Manong generation,” said Alaniz.
“This is a story of how the Manongs made a place for themselves on California’s Central Coast where they built lasting communities amidst persistent discrimination,” Toribio said. “The achievements and contributions of the Filipino community included in this exhibit are testament to their strength and resiliency.”
“The war that created them as colonial subjects, their collective struggles, collective triumphs, and their collective contributions to the building of this country have yet to be more fully told in the public sphere. The existence of this exhibit is a wonderful step in the right direction,” said Manuel Crisostomo, a community member and exhibit contributor.
Grossman Gallery hours are:
- Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 1-5 p.m.
SBTHP recently received a grant from the state aimed at preventing hate crimes. This program, administered by the California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, is part of ongoing efforts in California to provide direct support for communities impacted by hate incidents and support victims.
Founded in 1963 by Dr. Pearl Chase, SBTHP stewards the past and present of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood, and inspires preservation advocacy throughout the county to create a more vibrant community.
SBTHP operates El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, Santa Barbara’s 18th century birthplace, under an agreement with California State Parks.
In addition to portions of the Spanish fort, El Presidio SHP includes the Alhecama Theatre (1925) and the campus of the Santa Barbara School of the Arts, and Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens (1947) the last visible connection to Santa Barbara’s Chinatown.
SBTHP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; learn more at sbthp.org.