Exhibit: Pinoytown Rising: Filipino Americans in Santa Clara Valley

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Pinoytown Rising logo with a collage of black and white photos

Pinoytown Rising Exhibit: September 8 – November 30, 2023

Image: Filipinas pose near Pinoytown canneries in the 1940s. Photo courtesy of the Bacosa Family.
Image: Filipinas pose near Pinoytown canneries in the 1940s. Photo courtesy of the Bacosa Family.

San José Public Library's California Room, in collaboration with local historian Robert Ragsac, proudly presents Pinoytown Rising: Filipino Americans in Santa Clara Valley.

About the Exhibit

The exhibit focuses on the "First Wave" Filipinos who immigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Santa Clara Valley during the first half of the 20th century. Many worked in agriculture and settled in San José's "Pinoytown," an area nestled between Heinlenville Chinatown and Japantown. Attendees can expect a rich display of artifacts, historical photographs, traditional clothing, uniforms, and various materials generously loaned by the descendants of these pioneer families.

More Details


Special Event: October 14

Join the descendants of local pioneer Filipino families for a special event: Talk Story: Tales of First Wave Filipinos in the Valley of Heart's Delight. They will recount family stories and discuss their experiences growing up as second-generation Filipino Americans during the Depression, World War II, and the Post-War era.

Additional Resources

Further Reading from the California Room

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