Portuguese Books-Portuguese Heritage Publications of CA

Announcements, News and Current Information

Summer 2009 Update

Dia de Portugal

The Portuguese Heritage Society of California (PHSC), proudly hosts the Annual Dia de Portugal Festival on the second Saturday in June at History Park San Jose (Kelley Park), one of the largest events in California celebrating the Portuguese culture.

June 13, 2009 10AM-6:00PM
History Park San Jose (Kelley Park)
1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA

You don't have to be Portuguese to enjoy the visit, the food alone is worth the trip. See you there! All of us here with PHPC are ardent supporters of the Museum. We will have a table with books on sale. Free admission.

Project Update

The Power of Spirit is underway. The research and writing team will complete the drafts of each section by August. Then the work of editing and corrections will begin.

PHPC Mission

The history of the Portuguese in California is an integral part of the state's history since the 1800s. As such, it is deserving of appropriate documentation for the benefit of current scholars and future generations.

Portuguese Heritage Publications of California was created as a non profit organization with the objective of capturing for posterity, not only the historical facts associated with the Portuguese immigration to California, but also the human drama that it encompasses.

PHPC therefore strives to collect, record, disseminate, and support research, projects and activities on the Portuguese presence in California.

Research Collection
(1 of 4, random selection)

Recent Releases:

CAPELINHOS BOOK: AZOREAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA

Now available by mail order and on Amazon, the 482 page luxury edition, hard cover, full color, 9 x 12-inch format book includes an edited video clip of the Capelinhos volcano eruptions filmed by António Furtado in 1957-58 and narrated in Portuguese and English, provided on a DVD inside the back cover. The DVD is available separately at Furtado Imports.

O Cântico do Silêncio

"O Cântico do Silêncio" by José Luis Da Silva, book release event, held November 7, 2008 at the Portuguese Athletic Club, 1401 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose. The presentation was a tremendous success. We had a great turnout to support José and the launch of his new book. Most of the attendees had their book signed, which was quite an effort in itself. The PAC did a nice job with the dinner. Dr. Diniz Borges made the book presentation after opening remarks by PHPC President Jose Rodrigues (pictured at right). The author concluded the evening's presentation with some background and perspective on the book. "O Cântico do Silêncio" is now available on Amazon and by direct mail order from PHPC. Click to order.

Click for more pictures.

The Portuguese Shore Whalers

Now that we have seen and touched the actual book, all of us at PHPC are delighted and agree this book is done as just as well as "The Holy Ghost Festas" and Graves' "Portuguese Californians" books. This is another time frame, going back to 1850. The book presents a lot of information about California history and the impact of the Portuguese people and how they got here. NEWS RELEASE 10/16/06 - Read the book release announcement with downloadable files and pictures.

"Tradições Portuguesas/Portuguese Traditions", Edited by Prof. Francisco Cota Fagundes and Prof. Irene Maria Blayer. Book page.

"A Cow For The Holy Spirit" by Rose Silva King

"A Cow For The Holy Spirit" by Rose Silva King , a novel, is now in its second printing. It tells the story of an Azorean immigrant, his devotion to his family, the Holy Spirit, and the hard life of adapting to a new land.

"The Egg In The Water Glass" by Olivia Andrade-Lage

"The Egg In The Water Glass" by Olivia Andrade-Lage, is now available under the Pioneer collection. This autobiographical work tells the story of an Azorean family, their struggles and triumphs, over a period of several decades. It contains lots of important and very detailed information on daily life in a diary, including the struggle of the Portuguese dairymen and their families since the great depression thru the 1960s.

Also Note:

"I No Longer Like Chocolates" by Alamo Oliveira

In April 2006, we released the English translation of Ja Nao Gosto de Chocolates by Alamo Oliveira, a translation by Diniz Borges and Katherine Baker. This book as been very well received and has been a great seller. In addition, friends of Alamo promoted book presentations in Tipton, Sacramento, Gilroy and Turlock. A couple more presentations are planned.

"A Barrelful of Memories" by Pauline Stonehill

The second edition was released early this year and continues to sell well. Most of you are already familiar with this work. It sure deserves to be recommended to your family and acquaintances. It is easy reading.

"The Power of the Spirit"

This is the book telling the story of all the Portuguese founded churches in California. Lots of the research has been done, but lots more needs to get accomplished. This might be our major work for 2009.

Note: If you are a board member and are not receiving the minutes of the Executive Committee, please make sure you let Henrique know.

Thank you for your continued interest in our books and helping to preserve a piece of history.

Updated:5/21/09