The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association is convening its first international conference to spur research and interest in Spanish Hawaiian migration.

The conference will be held at UC Davis on Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7. It will feature leading academic experts from Spain, Hawaii, and California. Events will include exhibits, plenary and keynote speakers, research panels, book talks, cultural performances, and social opportunities for Spanish-Hawaiian families to come together.

According to a press release, the conference encourages descendants to participate and reconnect with their family roots. A welcome picnic is planned for September 5. Interested individuals can register online at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI3OTQ4.

Early bird pricing ends June 1.

The story of Spanish-Hawaiian migration to the United States took place at the turn of the 20th century. Between 1907 and 1913, approximately 8,000 people emigrated to Hawaii, primarily from the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura. In an attempt to escape poverty and hunger in Spain, they signed contracts to labor in sugar plantations across the Hawaiian Islands. 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. Subsequent generations spread across the United States.

In organizing the conference, the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association seeks to encourage further research on this relatively unrecognized immigrant group. This significant wave of migration to the Hawaiian Islands links complex social, economic, and cultural elements between Spain, Hawaii, and California.

More information is available at sphha.org.