Manongs on the Central Coast Exhibit Exploring Filipino American Heritage Opening at Lompoc Library

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased  to announce that its exhibit, “Manongs on the Central Coast: Forming Communities Across  Generations,” will be on view at the Grossman Gallery in the Lompoc Public Library  throughout the month of April. 

Exhibit Dates: April 1–30, 2026 

Location: Grossman Gallery, Lompoc Public Library 

501 E North Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436 

Hours: 

• Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. 
• Friday & Saturday: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. 

This compelling 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 United States in the early 20th  century and helped shape the region’s agricultural, hospitality, and retail industries.

SBTHP originally premiered the exhibit with an opening program on August 25th 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. Toribio added, “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. The achievements and contributions of the Filipino community included in  this exhibit are testament to their strength and resiliency.” 

Community member and exhibit contributor Manuel Crisostomo remarked, “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.” 

Special Lecture in Lompoc: Bing Aradanas — April 3 

Join scholar and community member Bing Aradanas for a presentation titled, “Filipinos’  Contributions to Once Making Lompoc the ‘Flower Capital of the World’ (and other forgotten  history)” in support of the exhibit. 

Friday, April 3, 2026 

5:00–7:00 p.m. 

Lompoc Public Library, Grossman Gallery 

The exhibit will be open for viewing beginning at 5:00 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 6:00  p.m. 

Aradanas is a significant contributor to the “Manongs on the Central Coast” exhibit and has an  extensive history of developing and supporting projects centered on Filipino American  history, Philippine heritage, and Indigenous Philippine cultures. His work includes multiple  exhibitions, public presentations, and eleven years as an adjunct professor in the Ethnic  Studies and Social Sciences Departments at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 

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.