Conference Introduction/Description:
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association is convening a conference to spur research, and interest in Spaniards who emigrated to Hawai‘i, and subsequently to California. The conference will be held at the University of California Davis on September 5-7, 2025. Events will include plenary and keynote speakers, academic panels, book talks, cultural performances, and social opportunities for descendant families to connect. Organizers are from the University of Málaga, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, UC Davis and California State University Monterey Bay.
Spanish emigration to Hawai‘i occurred from 1907-1913, as 8,000 Spaniards from Andalucia, Extremadura and other regions answered the call for laborers in Hawai‘i sugar cane plantations. Working under indentured contracts, conditions on the island plantations were harsh. Most families left once their work agreements expired, and moved to northern California, forming Spanish enclaves. In organizing the conference, the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association seeks to encourage further research in this relatively unrecognized immigrant group. This significant wave of migration to the Hawaiian Islands links complex social, economic and cultural elements between Spain, Hawai‘i and California in the 20th Century..
We invite submissions from historians, genealogists, oral historians, academic and institutional members, students, descendant groups, Spanish and/or Portuguese cultural clubs and organizations, artists, performers and authors. Submissions for individual presentations, panels, roundtable discussions, history or art exhibits and performances will be considered. A limited number of small travel stipends may be available.
Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association Executive Board
Beverly Baker, President
Rick Prusso, Vice President
Kristen Ana La Follette, Secretary
Amber Pato McQuinn, Webmaster
Shyrah Heinze, Liaison to Club Universo Extremeño & Aloha Spaniards
Submission Guidelines
Submit the following via Google Form:
Presentation Title
Type of Proposal
Abstract (250-300 Words)
Presenter Bio (250-500 Words)
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: January 24
Decision Date: February 7
Publishing in the Archives Profession 