Exhibit to show early Filipinos in Santa Clara Valley, CA before it became ‘Silicon Valley’

Filipinas pose near Pinoytown canneries in the 1940s. (Photo courtesy of the Bacosa Family)

SAN JOSE, California — An exhibit called “Pinoytown Rising: Filipino Americans in Santa Clara Valley” will be hosted by the San José Public Library in its California Room, in collaboration with local historian Robert Ragsac.

The exhibit, running from Sept. 8 to Nov. 30, will focus on the “First Wave,” early Filipino immigrants who settled in Santa Clara Valley in the first half of the 20th century—long before it became known as Silicon Valley, home to California’s digital technology industry.

 Many of these immigrants worked in agriculture and established a community in San José, known as “Pinoytown,” an area nestled between Heinlenville “Chinatown” and “Japantown.”

You may like: Another California park to be named in honor of Filipino farmworkers

The exhibit will display historical artifacts, photographs, traditional uniforms, and other materials loaned by these Filipino families’ descendants. The aim is to showcase the history, experiences, and contributions of these early Filipino settlers to the region’s development.

At a special event on Oct. 14 called “Talk Story: Tales of First Wave Filipinos in the Valley of Heart’s Delight,” descendants of pioneer families will share their stories and experiences of growing up as second-generation Filipino Americans during different historical periods.

Both the exhibit and the special event will be held at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. The exhibit will be in the California Room on the 5th floor, and the special event will be in Room 225 on the 2nd floor.

Both events are free, allowing the public to learn more about the Filipino American community’s history in Santa Clara Valley.

For those interested in further reading, the library recommends several books on the history of Filipino Americans, including works by FANHS Pinoy, Dr. Roberto V. Vallangca, Alfredo N. Munoz, and Peter M. Jamero.

Filipino workers planting asparagus in Stockton in the 1930s. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Supnet Hill)

More Details

• When: September 8 – November 30, 2023
• Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Room, 5th floor
• Cost: Free

Special Event

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.

• When: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 1–3 p.m.
• Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 2nd Floor, Room 225

Cost: Free