Bounty of the Sea

Dive into the maritime legacy of the Monterey Bay with “Bounty of the Sea,” presented by the Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula. This captivating exhibit is a collaborative endeavor featuring written and photographic contributions from diverse communities.

Explore the rich tapestry of Monterey’s fishing heritage, spanning from indigenous fishing practices to the contributions of Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, and Sicilian/Italian fishermen. Immerse yourself in the colorful stories of Festa Italia, the Western Flyer Foundation, and the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, all of which have left an indelible mark on the region’s fishing traditions.

Through a compelling collection of artifacts, photographs, and narratives, this exhibit offers a profound journey into the history, cultures, and innovations that have shaped Monterey’s enduring connection to the sea. Discover the evolution of fishing practices, the resilience of fishing communities, and the vital role they play in preserving the Monterey Bay’s maritime heritage.

A special thank you for their efforts on behalf of this exhibit to IHS members President AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton, Vice President Mike Ventimiglia, Vincent S. Ferrante, Bob Enea, Rosemary Metzger, and George Leonard; Festa Italia president Joe and Marilyn Cardinalli; Fisheries Historian Tim Thomas; Western Flyer Foundation executive director Sherry Flumerfelt; Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust executive director Melissa Mahoney; Rumsen Ohlone Tribal Community Linda Yamane; Randy Sabado, Gilbert and Edwina Ow, Coalition for Asian Justice, and Quock Mui Foundation.

Photographs used by permission from the Monterey Public Library, author Mike Ventimiglia from his book Italians of the Monterey Peninsula Arcadia Publications, and Bob Enea.