Portuguese & Melungeon News Page 2

Melungeon Heritage Association Recognizes Honorary Melungeon: Manuel Mira, author of the book "The Forgotten Portuguese, The Melungeons..." has been recognized as an Honorary Melungeon for his dedication to the Melungeon movement by the Melungeon Heritage Association on August 8, 1999.

American Flag on the Moon was made by a Portuguese lady: Anniversary of the American flag on the Moon by Neil Armstrong of Apollo 11. Just 30 years ago in July 1969, the American astronaut Neil Armstrong placed the American Flag on the Moon. This particular flag was made by Maria Isilda Ribeiro, a Portuguese lady. The flag on the Moon is made of fiberglass material and measures two feet in length. Since it could not be stamped by conventional methods due to the paint not adhering to the type of cloth, it had to be hand painted. Maria Isilda was born in Vagos, Portugal and came to the USA in 1966. She worked for Annin Flag Co, de Verona, N.J. Since Maria Isilda was on the finishing section, she was responsible for the flag. Luso-Americano, Fernando dos Santos, Editor.

Conference on Melungeons in Berea College, Kentucky a success: The conference and work shops held last June 26th were a success. The Melungeon Heritage Association organized the event with several work shops, presentations on genealogy by by James Prichard of the Kentucky Archives on African-American genealogy, Ginny Carney of the Native American Genealogy, Bill Fields on Melungeon genealogy. Also Manuel Mira made a presentation on the origins of the Melungeons and the connection with the Portuguese. Several work shops were simultaneously held by Jake Podler, Johnnie Rhea, Elaine Gribbins, Libby Killebrew, Jerry Warsing, Johnny Rhea and Jeannie Greene. In the main auditorium the award winning documentary film "The Melungeons" was presented by its producer Ernie Martin. The conference ended with a panel discussion about Melungeon roots. Brent Kennedy, Ph. D. ; Scott Collins; Evelyn Orr and Manuel Mira took part in a very lively and heated discussion with very good participation of the audience. More than 200 persons from 20 States attended the event. At the end it was announced that the 3rd. Union of the Melungeons is being planned for the year 2000.

Summer Courses in the University of Azores from June 28 to July 30: There are 200 million people who speak Portuguese in the world. This culture and language is becoming more important. You may learn about Language, Literature, Society and Culture as well as Nature and Environment in a very pleasant environment of the Azorean Islands. The fee schedule is $200 US Dollars, which include housing in university residences or private homes, meals at the university cafeteria from Monday to Friday, trips to several points of interest and inter-island travel. The inter-island travel component of the course is scheduled for July 22 to 28 and will allow participants to visit three islands of the Central Group of islands, namely Terceira, Faial and Pico - and to work with the resources and study areas of the other two centers of the UA campus, such that the participants will be able to experience first hand the diversity of the Azorean islands and the UA. For more information contact Professor Simas at the University of Azores by calling 001 351 96 653 044.

Cinematic Portrayals of Portuguese-Americans: Geoffrey L. Gomes, a professor at Hayward, CA has recently written an article about the different movies portraying Portuguese characters.  The article was published by the Gavea-Brown Journal of Portuguese-American Studies at the Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. The Journal's director is Professor Onésimo Teotónio de Almeida. Well known movie actors, like Spencer Tracy, Julia Roberts, Edward G. Robinson, Anthony Quinn, Gregory Peck and others  have played the Portuguese character in the movies. This study goes back to 1918.

June 10th. Portugal Day at the Library of Congress, Lisbon, USA Documentary: Olga Schubart, Portuguese movie director and Pepe Diniz will show a movie titled "Lisboa, USA" at the Library of Congress, Washington DC on June 10th, Portugal Day. Of the many cities in the USA named after the Portuguese Capital, the producers chose five. In the 1960's there were at least 32 cities named Lisboa or Lisbon. During the month of June in several cities of the USA, commemorations are being held. One of the largest and best known are the ones New Jersey and regularly organized every year by the Bernardo Coutinho Foundation. Even the Empire State Building in New York will be illuminated with the Portuguese colors, red & green.

Fernandes Foundation of Trinidad/Tobago supports Portuguese-Scholarship Foundation: The Madeiran Community of these Caribbean Islands dates from the early 1800's and is well established taking part in all aspects of the Islands economic, social and political affairs. Mr. Fernandes left a Foundation which supports several educational organizations. Recently his family visited the U.S.A. to receive the recognition of the Portuguese-American Scholarship Foundation, who has awarded scholarships to six students of the Newark, NJ area where the Foundation is based and has been giving scholarships since1966 to a total of half a million dollars since then. If you click on the next icon, you'll see the Fernandes family. Mrs. Fernandes, Mr. Fernandes Jr. and her daughter Miss Fernandes.

Friends of Casa da Saudade holds fund raising dinner: The Portuguese Library of New Bedford was founded by Portuguese 28 year by the Friends of "Casa da Saudade" and on April 23rd. it held a fund raising dinner to commemorate. Present were many Portuguese-American elected State and City officials as well as other leaders of the community and the general public in excess of a few hundred. The dinner was a success and PAHRF congratulate the organizers.

Peregrinação Publications holds a Book Fair in Massachusetts: This Portuguese-American Publication house held a book fair recently in Accushnet, Massachusetts. Many of the authors were present including the Professors Onesimo de Almeida, Eduardo Mayone Dias, José Brites and others. Our book "The Forgotten Portuguese" was also on display and attracted much attention.

Eduardo Mayone Dias, Ph.D. presents his new book, "Meu Portugal Antigo e Distante": This renowned author and Professor who is also a member of our advisory council, introduced his latest book written in Portuguese, "Meu Portugal Antigo e Distante" with great fanfare at the annual fund raising dinner of the Friends of da "Casa da Saudade". He also held a book signing session with great success. Congratulations Professor Dias.

Professors from Coimbra, Portugal visit San Jose, California: Three Professors recently visited California as part of a student exchange program. They accompanied 14 students in several visits to local Colleges and Government institutions. The comprehensive program also included interviews with the Portuguese-American Radio Stations of the San Francisco, San Jose area.

California Station KSQQ airs interview with author Manuel Mira: In a recent visit to California attending several conferences, the author of the book, The Forgotten Portuguese was interviewed by Cesar de Jesus of the FM Radio Station KSQQ which transmits in the Portuguese language for the San Francisco, Oakland Bay and San Jose areas. Manuel Mira answered several questions about the book and the historic presence of the Portuguese in America. He also took part on a discussion panel with Dr. Maria Lidia C. Martins, one of the Professors from Coimbra visiting the area. The radio station is owned by Mr. Baptista Vieira, a Portuguese from the Azores. He has been distinguished by the Portuguese Government.

The County of Goes in Portugal has a 3,000 year old history: Recent discoveries in Portugal has enriched the Goes archaeology according to news recently published in Portugal. A sanctuary of the late bronze age, or the beginning of the Iron Age, about 3,000 years old was recently found in Goes. The modern spelling of Goes is Góis. The name Goes is closely connected with the Melungeons, since there are hundreds of variations of the name originating from Goes, the best known being Gowen for which the Gowen Research Foundation was named. Also this name is closely connected with the Southern Netherlanders and the name Van Der Goes. The Portuguese humanist Goes married a Dutch lady. Luis K.W., Portugal.

Portuguese Genealogy Conference in Taunton, MA, April 25: The American-Portuguese Genealogical Society is holding a Conference on Portuguese Genealogy on Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 PM, in Taunton, Massachusetts at the local Public Library. Manuel Mira, the author of the book, The Forgotten Portuguese, is the guest speaker, and the theme of the Conference is "Searching for early Portuguese Roots in America."

Melungeon Genealogy Workshop on Berea College in Kentucky: PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: MELUNGEON ROOTS" Melungeon Roots: A Family Heritage Workshop" will be held on the Berea College campus in Berea, Kentucky, on Saturday, June 26. This event will feature sessions on beginning, intermediate, and Internet genealogy, as wellas specific sessions on other aspects of Melungeon genealogy. To register, send five dollars per registrant to Melungeon Roots, P.O. Box 4042, Wise, VA 24293. Our Director and author Manuel Mira will be one of the guest speakers. "Melungeon Roots: A Family Heritage Workshop" Berea College, KY. Recent books and documentaries on Appalachia's mysterious Melungeons have led many people to search for their Melungeon roots. A genealogy workshop at Berea College may provide help for those who are seeking information about their families and possible Melungeon connections. "Melungeon Roots: A Family Heritage Workshop" will be held on the Berea College campus on Saturday, June 26. This event will feature sessions on beginning, intermediate, and Internet genealogy, as well as specific sessions to explore Native American and African-American connections. There will also be chat sessions for various family groups, a showing of a documentary film about the Melungeons, and a panel discussion featuring Brent Kennedy, Manuel Mira, and others. The Melungeons are a multi-racial and multi-ethnic people who were first documented in the Appalachian mountains at the end of the 18th century. Since that time, they have become a part of Appalachian folklore - "sons and daughters of the legend." Prior to the Civil War, some were classified as "free persons of color." More recently, they have been identified by anthropologists and sociologists as "tri-racial isolates" - an amalgam of European, Native American, and African-American ancestry. They faced discrimination, both legal and social, and tended to settle in isolated communities such as Newman's Ridge in Hancock County, Tennessee, or Stone Mountain, Virginia.
     Over the years, Melungeons kept to themselves -- or moved to other areas where their heritage was not suspect. Oral history among Melungeon families was often not shared with succeeding generations. "Melungeon" had become an epithet, even if no one knew where the word originated. Jean Patterson Bible wrote in 1975 that generations of intermarriage has resulted in near racial dissolution: "They'll be gone in a generation or two, except for an occasional dark-complected [sic] child as a reminder of the past." Instead, many Melungeon descendants are coming to recognize and embrace the diverse heritage that is theirs. They've been encouraged and inspired by Dr. N. Brent Kennedy, author of the 1994 book The Melungeons: The Resurrection of A Proud People; An Untold Story of Ethnic Cleansing in America. Kennedy, in researching his own family background, concludes that the Melungeons were descended from groups of Spaniards, Portuguese, Turks, Berbers, Moors, Jews, and others who arrived on these shores between the arrival of Columbus and the establishment of Jamestown. Generations of intermarriage with Europeans, Native Americans, and African-Americans resulted in the people now known as Melungeons.
     Participants may pre-register before June 1, for "Melungeon Roots: A Family Heritage Workshop" by sending a check or money order to: Melungeon Roots, P.O. Box 4042, Wise, VA 24293. Admission to the event is $5 for each pre-registered participant (before June 1), and $10 for those who register after June 1 and for on-site registrants. On-site registration begins Friday, June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Alumni Building on the Berea campus.
     The Melungeon Heritage Association, Inc. will hold a mixer on Friday night at the Alumni Building from 7 to 9 pm. Workshops will begin on Saturday morning at 9:00 am at Phelps-Stokes Hall, with welcoming remarks by Audie Kennedy, president of the Melungeon Heritage Association, Inc., and Gordon McKinney of the Berea College Appalachian Center. Workshops will be held in the Frost Building and Phelps Stokes chapel. Chat groups will be running all day at various locations on campus. Throughout the day, "Melungeon Roots" will feature "how-to" genealogy sessions as well as sessions on Native American, African-American, and Portuguese-American genealogy. A panel discussion with a question-and-answer session will close the workshop. "Melungeon Roots: A Family Heritage Workshop" is sponsored by the Appalachian Center at Berea College, continuing the college's long tradition of commitment to Appalachia and to diversity. The event is organized by the Melungeon Heritage Association, Inc. (MHA), a non-profit organization formed in 1998. MHA was an outgrowth of the highly successful First Union: A Melungeon Gathering held in Wise in 1997. In 1998, MHA sponsored Second Union, an even larger gathering which featured sessions and lectures on history, social issues, and medical issues, as well as genealogy.
     The gatherings are only a part of the work of MHA. The organization is also dedicated to several other tasks, including continued research and writing, telling the story of the Melungeon people, and contributing to the mosaic of a past that has been hidden too long. At the same time, MHA plans to collect and preserve the research and artifacts of the past, forming the basis of a Melungeon Research Center to give these materials a permanent home. MHA’s mission is to document and preserve the heritage and cultural legacy of mixed-ancestry people of the Southern Appalachians. While the focus will be on those of Melungeon heritage, they do not restrict themselves to honoring only this group, but believe in the dignity of all such mixed ancestry groups. MHA is committed to preserving this rich heritage of racial diversity and harmony. MHA plans to hold Third Union in the summer of 2000. In the meantime, "Melungeon Roots" is the first of several planned smaller events which will focus on individual aspects of Melungeon heritage.

The Azoreans in Trinidad -- Real Life Drama in 1835: Our research department about Portuguese in America and their participation in the making of the Americas has come accross drama of a group of Azoreans when they left their homeland to look for better life in Trinidad and Tobago. Some of them paid the ultimate price, their lives.
     The following are transcriptions of documents found:

     Sir George Hill, Gov. of Trinidad to the Right Honourable Thomas Spring Rice, Miscellaneous Despatch No 4 of 1834, published by the courtesy of His Excellency the Governor of Trinidad. Trinidad, 20 July 1834 (an abstract).

     Gov. Hill reports that on 15 July the British Schooner "Watchful" arrived in Trinidad from "Fayal" with "44 of the natives of that place by previous engagement", to work as indentured field laborers, or "in any manner most advantageous to the employer for a period of 3 years in return for which they are to receive 6 dollars per month wages, a piece of land for their own use and cultivation, and to be rovisioned...until their lands are productive". One half of their wages were to be retained until the laborer's passage had been paid for, the amount per person being 60 dollars.
     The report states that the laborers had been "accordingly taken as apprentices by some of the planters". It also states that "these people have been accustomed to work in the field in their own climate and will be able to withstand the sun heat here - they are looked upon as a very valuable acquisition to an Island such as this" and it was expected that such laborers would render the island "the most valuable of His Majesty's West India colonies." Because of the reputation of the Azoreans as good workers, planters were desirous of engaging a larger number of them.
     End of despatch

Trinidad in 1835. A Petition, To the Governor of Trinidad in 1835.

     The humble Petition of the undersigned subjects of the Crown of Portugal respectfully sheweth that with many others of their countrymen, they were induced by certain evil disposed persons, under false pretences, to quit their native country, Fayal, to become agricultural labourers in this Colony.
     Of the whole number thus cajoled, one third only are still in existence. The rest have fallen victims to the unhealthiness of the climate or to the cruelties of the slavery system to which we, equally with the unfortunate blacks, have been subjected. For let speculators in human blood deny it as they will, the awful calamity which has occurred among our countrymen, in so short a period as ten months, must have resulted from one or the other of these fatal causes, or from both combined.
     Men, women and children, have suffered the greatest misery and oppression on the several estates where they have been forced to work far beyond their strength by coercion of the whip, without proper shelter at night or adequate food during the day.
     The consolation of religion has been denied them in the hours of sickness and death; whilst the bodies of the miserable victims of avarice have been thrown into holes and ditches without Christian burial.
     The cries of the fatherless children and widows have been loud in the land, but there was no response from Christian charity to soften their grief, no arm of justice to relieve them from the hands of oppressors.
     Few are they who are left to tell their tale of woe.
     Your Excellency has often been apprised of these truths but our sufferings are unheeded. We have been advised that an appeal to the Governor General for the information of His Britannic Majesty’s Government, would be attended to; but we hope Your Excellency will obviate the necessity for such an appeal by mercifully acceding to the prayer of your humble petitioners; which is that Your Excellency will be pleased to collect together the few Portuguese labourers yet in existence in this Colony; That you will humanely relieve their immediate and pressing wants, particularly those of the poor and helpless orphans; And that you will cause them to be transported back to their native country.
     Rosa Constancia (who has lost her husband and three children in 10 months).
     Felicia Perpetua de Castro (who has lost her husband and one child in 10 months).
     Maria Constancia (who has lost two children in 10 months).
     Mariana Francisca (who has lost four children in 10 months).
     Josef Francisco Macieda (who has lost his wife and four children in 10 months).
     Antonio Francisco Dabla (who has lost two children).
     Anna Perpetua (the mother of seven children).
     Francisco de Utro Perreira (whose wife and four children are at Fayal) and 28 others.

A Petition from Josef da Costa, a Portuguese, To the Lieutenant Governor of Trinidad in 1835.

     The humble Petition of Josef da Costa, free Portuguese by birth, but now an apprenticed labourer, states That he came to Trinidad on certain conditions and sailed from Fayal on 31st October 1834. He and 27 others were clandestinely landed on the north coast, 15 days after their arrival, were carried to Mr. Graham’s estate at Chaguanas. There they remained two months where they worked with the negroes in the fields. The consequence was that they all fell sick and many died.
     The Petitioner and his wife were, through the humanity of Mr Graham, removed to town and placed in Marie Ursula’s hospital where his unhappy wife died.
     After this, his services were bought by one Mr. Lock and he was sent down the coast where he was badly treated and, when unable to work as the negroes did, cruelly beaten.
     To escape from this misery, he left the estate on the 18th of the present month, and is now lying in town in the last stages of misery and starvation.
     He humbly implores that his case be inquired into;

Josef da Costa.
Witness; A. Shaw.

Source:– Truths from the West Indies. By Captain Studholme Hodgson (19th Regiment of Foot). 1838.
Historical Society of Trinidad and Tobago. Publications no. 796 and 797.
We thank Augusta Elmwood for the kind help in providing the above information.

Portuguese Building in Disney World, Orlando, Florida: From Luis K W of Lisbon, Portugal we received the following interesting note: While we were crossing the bridge (on the left of the "tree of life") Animal Kingdom in entering "Africa", I noticed a building looking like a portuguese fortification of the 16th century.
     In fact, we were entering (a copy of) "Mombasa," and this building was meant to be "Forte de Jesus" built by the Portuguese in the 1500's, in the original Mombasa (south of Kenya).  The original "Forte" was occupied by Arabs (or Turks?) in the late 1700's, and later by the British until 1895 (or so). It was Rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1958.
     I just read in a portuguese newspaper (in english below):
     "Mas, como não evocar, 'a despedida do Forte de Jesus, uma placa afixada em 1593 'a entrada e a sua astuta redacção? (...) «Quando Felipe da Austria, reinava em Portugal, como Felipe I...». Atente-se, pois, no «quando», registe-se a «Austria» e sublinhe-se «como»".
     "How could we avoid noticing, when we were leaving the Forte de Jesus, a 1593 memorial tablet at the entrance and its astute redaction? «When Felipe of Austria ruled over Portugal as Felipe I...». Note the «when», «Austria» and «as»". (in Expresso, by Maria Joao Avilez)

Portuguese Gastronomy in the Boston Globe: An extensive article was published about Portuguese cooking in this large newspaper. It also mentions that only in Portugal are served the best soups in the world. It is interesting to note that the Portuguese national soup is made of collard greens, confused very often with kale. This type of cabbage is very popular en the Southeast USA. The Portuguese settlers were one of the first permanent settlers if not the first to continue settle in this country right up to the present day. They found in the early days that in order to survive they had to plant vegetables that would last long after the summer. Turnip Greens is another popular vegetable still used and served today in the Southeast restaurants.
     Not only in Boston but also in New York, Portuguese cooking is becoming an exit in the Restaurant "Acquario" where Portuguese seafood style is served, "Caldeirada à Portuguesa". Neither the cook or the owner are Portuguese.

Scholarships available to study in Portugal at the National Archives: The National Archives/Torre do Tombo in Lisbon, Portugal established a joint program with FLAD of scholarships for researchers from the United States wishing to develop in Portugal and the IANT/TT research projects concerning archives administration, history, social sciences and Portuguese language and culture. March 31, 1999 is the closing date for the reception of applications for these scholarships. The program will have the duration of two years and will include four scholarships for a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months. The scholars will receive a return ticket from the USA to Portugal as well as a monthly allowance of 250,000 PTE, approximately US$1,500. Anyone interested in receiving more detailed information send us an email.

History of Reading and Writing is older than we think: Paula Sten, a member of our Advisory Council, has stated to the ISAC (Institute for the Study of American Cultures) Membership that History has taught us that "History begin at Sumer" and that writing has gone only since perhaps - 6,000 years ago. These evidences fly in the face of that accepted assumption. Through comparative analysis - I had been able to recognize - that man has had - two phonetically recognizable written words from 40,000 B.C. On bone panels - consistently at that time, and more syllabic-word signs by 30,000 B.C. - as the evidences show. She ends with The history of reading and writing is far older than we think. Paula also believes that there is a connection between the languages of western Europe, such as the Basques and Northern Portugal and the languages of some of the American natives such as the Algonkin people.

James Dias, first Rhode Island Portuguese-American General: James Francis Dias is the first Rhode Island Portuguese-American that we know of to reach the post of the General of the US Army. General Dias was born in Newport, Rhode Island and served in the Vietnam war. His father was born in Azores and his mother was born in Newport and of Azorean born parents.

Virginia, first Black Population came from Angola: Our book (pages 36 and 42) "The Forgotten Portuguese" speaks of a village of Black and White people living together in 1673 at a time when slavery had not yet been made into law. Our suspicion at the time of the research for the book was that these Black and White people were of Portuguese origin. Recently the Roanoke Times of Roanoke, Virginia has published some revolutionary news. The following is a transcription of these news on January 24, 1999 on B1 of the Metro Edition:
     Evidence suggests that these unwilling immigrants were likely to have been Christians and spoke a common language. In the scant history of forgotten persons, many people are faceless. But few have been swallowed by the dark shadows that obscure the first blacks known to have lived in Virginia.
     Except for a few passing references from Capt. John Smith and members of the Virginia Company, these ''20-odd Negroes'' left virtually no trace after disembarking from a Dutch ship in late summer 1619. And for nearly 400 years that lack of evidence made it hard for anyone, including many determined scholars, to talk about one of early America's most historic moments. A recent survey of Portuguese colonial shipping records, however, may have turned up the very vessel in which these unwilling immigrants came to the New World. New studies of the Portuguese African colony of Angola have shed unexpected light on the subject.
     ''When I gave a talk on the arrival of the first Africans in 1994, I really had very little to say,'' said Jamestown Settlement curator Tom Davidson. ''But in five years the whole story has changed - almost completely. Gradually, we're taking what was the poorest known segment of 17th-century Virginia's population and moving into a realm where we can talk about them as people.'' Davidson gave a lecture recently that focused on several studies, including two pioneering works that appeared in the scholarly journal William & Mary Quarterly over the past two years. The first revolutionized the field, he says, by pinpointing the name, nationality and port of origin of the ship that carried the blacks from Africa to the New World.
     Sifting through Colonial shipping records, California historian Engel Sluiter came across a Portuguese merchant-slaver that lost its human cargo to English and Dutch privateers in the West Indies. The timing and description of the attack almost certainly tie that ship, known as the San Juan Bautista, to the Dutch adventurers who brought the first blacks to Virginia. They also link that human cargo to the Angolan port town of Luanda.
     ''Before this, we knew nothing about the Africans themselves. We didn't know if they were slaves. We didn't even know if they were Africans or Creoles from the West Indies,'' Davidson said. ''Now we have not only a probable origin - the Portuguese ship sailed from Angola - but a specific locale in Angola. And that's enabled us to discover what kind of people these first Africans were.'' Other scholars, including William & Mary Quarterly editor Philip Morgan, an award-winning author in the field, believe Sluiter's careful work leaves little doubt about the identity of the Portuguese vessel. And that crucial missing link has led to a fast-growing chain of information about the first blacks who landed in Virginia, he says. In 1998, the journal published a study by Pennsylvania historian John Thornton that examined the Portuguese colony of Angola during the early 17th century. Thornton's search through the records of the period turned up not only the region in Angola from which the blacks came, but also the military campaign in which they were probably captured. He also turned up evidence suggesting that these Africans were likely to have been Christians, that they had years of experience in trading and dealing with Europeans and that they spoke a common language. Such traits would have made them better able to adapt to their lot in Virginia than the ethnically and linguistically diverse groups of blacks that began to arrive from West Africa later in the 1600s, Davidson says. Continued trading with Portuguese Angola, he adds, may help explain why the first generations of Africans were so much more successful in working their way out of servitude than those that followed.
     It may also help scholars understand why attitudes about race hardened in the late 1600s, when the concept of limited-term indenture began to mutate into the institution of lifelong slavery. "What we're finding out is revolutionary," Davidson said.

Portuguese-Japanese-English-Melungeon Food Connection: When genealogy records fail, connections can still be established by traditions of a particular group of people. England and Japan are both fond of deep fried barter-coated fish: Fish and chips and tempura. Both countries picked the recipe from Portuguese visitors in the 16th and 17th century. It's pretty well known that Portuguese merchants introduced tempura to Japan. They were in the habit of eating fried fish during the religious seasons. Fish frying have been a standard way of cooking fish in Portugal and Spain for hundreds of years. Recipes appeared in 13th century Spanish Arabic books. Portuguese Jews escaping the Inquisition brought the batter-fried fish to England and the Netherlands during the 16th and 17th centuries. Jewish fried fish was originally served cold. This habit has survived in Portugal till recently, but there are still some snack bars that still served it. In the American southeast foods like turnip greens, blackeye peas, salted ham,  mustard greens, cabbage, etc. are still foods used today and some of them served on some chains of southeast restaurants. The Melungeon people of traditional Portuguese ancestors, is one of the groups who still uses this type of food today.
     Luso-Americano, Dec.24, 1998; Los Angeles Times, Nov.18, 1998; The Forgotten Portuguese Book.

Tom Hanks of Portuguese Ancestors -- Time's Best Actor of the Year: The well known actor has been chosen as the best actor of 1988 by the Times Magazine. Tom Hanks has Portuguese roots on his mother side, from the Azores. His latest exit "Saving Private Ryan" may get him an Oscar.

Dan Rather of CBS TV Network talks about NASA and Portugal: This well and much credited journalist spoke about NASA and Portugal during a one hour interview with Larry King Live from CNN. He compared the importance of the NASA space program with the of Portugal 500 years ago, when this small European nation pioneered the discovery of the World. He also mention the great work of the Portuguese navigators Vasco da Gama and Magellan and the American astronauts.

Court rules changes from African Black to Portuguese White: Race status changes were allegedly common in the 19th Century in the United States, mostly in the South. It was generally accepted that if a person was not pure White, he or she would be considered Negro. Several Groups were affected this. In particular, reference is made to the Melungeons and the Portuguese.
     This matter was the cause of  many social concerns. The major dilemma was that the individual in question would not be accepted in his or her community as a White, Negro or Indian person. The issue eventually required legal action.
     Of several court cases on the subject, two in particular rose to fame – one defended by Attorney – later to become President – Abraham Lincoln in 1850 (Dungey vs. Spencer), and another by Attorney – later to become Judge – Lewis Sheppard in 1872 (Bolton vs. Williams & Divine).  Because dark-complexioned people were considered Negroes, unfortunately their human rights were considerably curtailed.
     According to information obtained by Evelyn Orr – a member of the Advisory Council on Melungeon studies for the Franklin, North Carolina based Portuguese-American Historical  &   Research Foundation, Inc. – there is the case of  one called John Griffin whose race status was changed from that of African descent Negro to Portuguese descent White. Jolene Morgan Boyerill has made this discovery and Bill Fields from the Melungeon Heritage Association, has passed that information to our Advisory Council Member Evelyn Orr.  On  page 35 of  the Order Book, Volume I (April 24, 1855-January 30, 1869)  of the Clay County Records (Kentucky State Archives, Frankfort)    revelation is made that   "John Griffin was released from being placed on the Negro list, and hereafter he will be listed as a white man,   proof being made to the satisfaction of the court that he was of Portuguese descent instead of African descent." For more on Bill Fields and Melungeons you may visit the following web site: www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Square/5018/Page_1x.html
     Although "Griffin" is a popularly accepted spelling, the name is also seen – among others – in the forms of Griffith and Griffie. These name variations are also used by Melungeons.

Portugal and Spain Map in the National Geographic Magazine: The December issue presents a traveler's map of the two countries. It also provides plenty of information about its people.

What's a "Melungeon?": The earliest dictionary definition we found was on the Funk & Wagnals published in 1893. "One of a very dark people living in the Mountains of Tennessee". It can be seen again on Page 1548 of another edition of the New Standard Dictionary of the English Language in 1913. Dr. Isaac K. Funk was the editor on November 23, 1893. We caution the reader to understand the definition of some one who was not black, but was not white either. Those days you were either black or white, therefore a very dark person means not being white and blonde. Portuguese Language Dictionary by Antonio Morais Silva and published in 1854 shows that Melungeon was a term used by the Changane tribe, a branch of the Zulus to describe a white person. The Portuguese visited the African East coast in 1498 and that's what they were called.

Portuguese Language: Association of Universities in the North of Portugal is promoting summer courses on the Portuguese language and culture during the month of July, 1999. Different levels are offered. For more information, contact via Internet the following address: aurn-a3@aurn.pt; http://www.aurn.pt/cursosverao

Portuguese Diplomat honored at the UN: Aristide de Sousa Mendes, was the Consul in the city of Bordeaux, France during World War II. He is credited by saving many thousands of lives, 30,000 or more and most of them Jews fleeing Hitler. He has been honored in Europe and now an exhibition is going to be held at the United Nations showing not only him but other Diplomats who also saved many lives by issuing passport visas, against the orders of their Governments. John Crisostomo and Antonio Rodrigues of New York, have been actively involved in this project as well as others, such as East Timor and Foz Coa pre-historic engravings.

Portuguese Jews and Sephardic Music: Judy Frankel has traveled to Portugal and Spain in search of the traditional Sephardic music, so dear to the hearts of every Jew with roots in Portugal. The 15 and 16th centuries  has caused many to flee the Inquisition to every corner of the World. Judy also plans to visit Turkey where many Jews settled during that period.

Portuguese working for CNN: Vasco Nunes was recently hired by CNN to work for the Spanish division as a camera man. Vasco study in Madrid and is fluent in Spanish. Another Portuguese working there, is Pedro Pinto. He can be seen on the CNN program World Sport.

Patrick Andrade Toomey from Pennsylvania was elected to the House of Representatives in Washington, DC. Richard Pombo from California and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Senator) from Colorado were re-elected. They are all from the Republican Party. Toomey is the third Portuguese-American who presently serves in Washington.

New Bedford and Fall River: These two cities of New England of a very large Portuguese population from the Azores and Madeira Islands, were visited the past week end by two major Portuguese politicians. On Saturday Dr. Mota Amaral, past President of Azores and presently Vice-President of the Portuguese Parliament and on Sunday Dr. Alberto J. Jardim, President of the autonomous region of the Madeira Islands. More details, to be posted later.

The book "The Forgotten Portuguese" was reviewed by Pedro Amaral a columnist of the Standard Times of New Bedford. The review caused a run to the local books store to purchase the book. The author was also interviewed by Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva and Silvestre Sylvia of the Portuguese TV Channel in three separate programs to be aired at a later date. The mature and sophisticated Portuguese community of the area did not take too long to notice the value of this book for its contents. It is indeed a valuable addition to any Library. The reviews will be posted later on reviews page. Do not miss it.

Portuguese-Language author wins Nobel Prize: José Saramago, a Portuguese writer of many books that have been translated in more than 30 languages has won the Literature Nobel Prize. He is the best selling contemporary writer in Portugal. He is also a nonconformist in his regular radio and newspaper commentaries. His first novel "Terra do Pecado" (Country of Sin) was published in 1947. He was born in 1922.

Master of the Portuguese Guitar - Mariano Rego, originally from the Azores has just completed his latest CD. The Portuguese guitar is a very unique instrument, if anyone is interested visit the site http://www.indiepool.com/dismusica to find out how to order Mariano's CD with twelve Portuguese popular and well performed themes.

Toronto, Canada: The Federation of Portuguese-Canadian Businessmen and Professionals organized a forum to discuss the presence of the Portuguese in North-America since the 15th century. The author of the book "The Forgotten Portuguese" was the guest speaker. The question and answer period was a very active, allied to the surprise of many present of the facts related to the Portuguese making of America, made the evening a very enlightening and pleasant one. Also the existence of the Melungeons, was a surprise to quite a few. The author was interviewed by local magazines and CPTV productions.

PALCUS Awards: The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the US, presented three awards at the 1998 Gala dinner held recently in Washington. Ben Nighthorse Campbell a Senator from Colorado and Richard Pombo a Congressmen from California, received the awards for their public service. Irene Ramos also received an award for her contributions to the community. She was the President of the Portuguese Women's Cultural Club in Washington before she passed away. The award was received by her husband. Ben's mother Mary Vieira was born in Portugal and his father was a Northern Cheyenne Indian. Richard's grandparents were born in Madeira and the Azores Islands.

Machado-Joseph Disease: A research nucleus was formed in Toronto, Canada to further the research of this disease that has afflicted many Portuguese as well as Melungeons. The name is called "The Friends of Machado-Joseph Disease Nucleus". For further information visit the web site: http://webhome.idirect.com/~albri. Machado-Joseph disease has been discovered in the USA in 1972. Recently the 30th Conference of the European for for Human Genetics was held in the city of Porto, Portugal. This disease has a large incidence among Portuguese from the Azores Islands as well as the Continent. The gene responsible for the disease was identified in 1994 and is now possible to detect it before birth. Some Melungeons are also known to carry this disease. In the Azores it affects 1 in a 100. The University of Porto in Portugal is developing a world data base for the Machado-Joseph Disease, anyone suffering from this disease may participate interested in participating, may contact the Nucleus in Toronto as described above. Also the Mediterranean Fever and Sarcoidosis are being studied by other Research Groups for possible connections. Information will be posted here as available.

Malacca Portuguese Eurasian Association's New Web site: This association formed out of Portuguese descendants, who married the local natives has just joined the Web World. Just like the Melungeons they also claim Portuguese ancestry dating back to 1511. Look for them at http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Paradise/9221/

Portuguese Connections in Hollywood: Julia Roberts played a Portuguese woman, Daisy Araujo in the movie Mystic Pizza. A song "Canção do Mar" Song of the Sea by singer Dulce Pontes is played in the movie Primal Fear with Richard Gere. Jodie Foster is also the actress on the movie "The Accused" where Portuguese were involved. Spencer Tracy won an Oscar in the 1937 movie "Captain Courageous" when it gave life to a Portuguese fisherman based on the novel by Rudyard Kippling. Tom Hanks is the great-grandson of the Portuguese Manuel Rosa and g.g.g.son of the Portuguese pioneers Francisco Gonçalves and Barbara Fraga.

Astronauts and Vasco da Gama: The Portuguese flag has been flown to space aboard the shuttle Discovery mission STS-91, maps of the discoveries by Vasco da Gama and a Portuguese scientific experiment, 500 years of other great voyages.

The Portuguese Government and our book: The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Discoveries Committee has requested a copy of the book for further study of the Portuguese in America, including the Melungeons.

Melungeon 2nd Union: The 2nd union was a success. A picture album is now available at the web site. For more information see the web site: www.wise.virginia.edu/cvc/melungeon/2ndunion.htm   The book "The Forgotten Portuguese" by Manuel Mira sold well during the reunion.

Brent Kennedy in the news:Associated Press has released a news article about the Mystery of the Melungeons and Dr. Kennedy's participation in trying to find a solution to the puzzle. The article was picked by several newspapers throughout the nation. In the Franklin area was published last June 7 by the Asheville Citizen. Also it was published in Toronto, Canada.

Southern Cultures Magazine: The issue in Volume 3, Number 4 of 1997, published an essay by John Shelton Reed, about the Melungeons and his personal experience while growing up in Kingsport, Tennessee. The following are a couple of paragraphs: "Many families here belong to a hundred or so Melungeon clans of Portuguese and American Indian descent..." ; " ...The Melungeons themselves always accepted the Indian part, but as for the rest they have consistently told outsiders what they told the Wall Street Journal reporter: that they are Portuguese, or as it used to be pronounced "Porty-gee".

"The Lusiads" translated into Chinese: The second edition o this book written by the Portuguese national poet Luis Vaz de Camões in the 16th century has just recently been translated to the Chinese language. The first edition of 3,000 copies was published in 1995 and quickly sold out. The translation was done by Zhang Weimin with the title "Lusitaniyaren Zhuge" which means "The Chant of the Lusitanos". Lusitano is the name of the people that originally inhabited the Roman province of Lusitania, where Portugal is located today.

"The Lusiads" in the XXI Century: Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva, a medical doctor from New England, wrote in a recent article that the Portugal and Greece were the only nation, out of 204 in the world that has a poet who wrote the history of their own country in epic verses. Portugal's poet is Luiz Vaz de Camões and Greece's is Homer in his famous Odyssey.

Japanese Tourists prefer Portugal: Portugal along with France and Las Vegas, are the most popular destinations in 1998, according to a report releases by the Japanese Tourism Board.

Emperor and Empress of Japan visits Portugal Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Portugal in June and stayed three days, during which they visited Lisbon's 1998 World Exposition.
     The Governments of Portugal and Japan are strengthening their old ties started in 1543 when the first Portuguese sailors arrived in Japan. The period of Portuguese discoveries in the early 16th century may account for the presence of Orientals in several parts of the world, including North-America and may also explain the oriental resemblance of some Melungeons.

New documents found connecting the Saponi Indians and Melungeons:Patricia Baldwin has come across some documents with information about Old Floyd County in Kentucky. It includes four calendars with Indian/Melungeon abstracts dating back to 1660. These documents provide valuable information to study the Catawba or Saponi Indians. Our thanks to Patricia for sharing this information with us. mailto:email:nuleef@foothills.net

Portuguese-American is the Energy Subsecretary: Ernest J. Moniz with roots from the Azores and former Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Physics Department is presently working for the Department of Energy in Washington, DC.

Portuguese people are different: The Portuguese population have stayed relatively isolated in the last few thousand years which makes them unique from the rest of the Iberian population.This conclusion was the result of a study made by the University of Coimbra in Portugal and the University of Madrid in Spain. This study may have important applications in the organ transplant of individuals of Portuguese origin or ancestry. The study was published in the magazine "Immunogenetics".

John Rodrigues Cabrilho, the discover of California on September 28, 1542 while working for the Spaniards, is a Portuguese by birth. Every year the Cabrilho Festival is held in his honor by the local Portuguese Community. The last one took place in September.

Portuguese Horses in America: Lusitano is the name of the Portuguese horse, a close cousin of the Spanish Andaluzian well known horse. It is believed that the Portuguese horses were part of Hernando de Sotto's army in 1540 when they arrived in the Southeast with many Portuguese soldiers. Some of these soldiers came from Alentejo where still today, most of the horses are bred.The Gentlemen of Elvas and many of his compatriots must have traveled to Badajoz, a Spanish city to enlist with Hernando de Sotto. Victor Silva presently lives in New Hampshire and breads Lusitano horses directly imported from Portugal. The Lusitano horse is considered to be the oldest horse ridden by men, and was used by Cartage and the Romans.

Tea was known in 800 AD: Chá Ching in China wrote the first book about tea 800 years after the Christian Era. The Portuguese are one of the few people, besides China who kept the original name for this drink; Chá. The same in Mandarin. In Portuguese is pronounced Shah. We thank our Portuguese-American reader, David da Silva Cornell, who speaks Chinese and some Japanese for his comments. He also mentioned that in Russia name "chay" is derived from "cha" also. Our reader Larry Koch added: Indeed. The Russians and the Portuguese both obtained tea from Mandarin-speaking traders, whereas other Europeans bought theirs from the Dutch, who in turn got it from Chinese who spoke the Amoy dialect, in which word for tea is "te".

Bridge named Vasco da Gama: A bridge linking the Tagus River in Lisbon was just recently inaugurated with the largest banquet, so large that it made it to the Guinness book of records. It is named after the great Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama. The bridge measures 17.2 kms. and it is one of the main routes used by visitors for the World Exposition in Lisbon. The cost approximately is $1.50 for each car. The six lanes may carry up to 52,000 cars per day.

The Forgotten Portuguese Book quoted in "O Jornal": The English section of this newspaper features an article about the Azorean Diaspora in Hawaii by Frances Sylvia Gracia. The Portuguese community came to Hawaii while it still was a kingdom under King Kamehamea. Ms. Gracia quotes several sources for her research including our book.

Portuguese Food TV program: Recently the program Emeril Live TV on the Food Network, program featured Portuguese food, such as New England boiled diner (Cozido à Portuguesa), Kale soup (Caldo Verde) and the famous Portuguese sausage (chouriço). (Names in Portuguese). Emeril Lagasse is a Portuguese-American who published a recipe book "Emeril's TV Dinners".

1498-1988     500 years celebration: In 1488 Portuguese navigator Dias sailed all the way to South Africa, confirming the unknown fact that India and the Far East could be reached by sea. It also paved the way for Columbus to discover America four years later. In 1498 Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India opening the way for New Worlds with its new cultures to meet.

Melungeons mentioned in RTPi: The Melungos, name in Portuguese for the Melungeons, and the Appalachia's were mentioned in a program transmitted world wide by the Portuguese International TV network.

Melungeon Book in the news: The Portuguese-American newspaper of Newark, NJ, published a two page interview with Manuel Mira, the author of the Forgotten Portuguese. The book may also be purchased at the paper's book store located in 88 Ferry St. Newark, NJ.

Melungeon Heritage Book and Snake handling: This recent published book by Ruth Johnson mentions the usage of snakes for religion purposes by the Melungeons.  This tradition came from India, the only other people in the world that do the same. The Portuguese were the only possible way for East-Indians to come to America in the 16th century. It was recorded that some Mountain Indians also used the snake for ritual purposes. Patricia Baldwin of the Appalachian Quarterly magazine send in information by Kevin Mullins, where purposes. Patricia Baldwin of the Appalachian Quarterly magazine send in information by Kevin Mullins, where he said that a man in Kentucky was bitten by a snake and died after treatment by paramedics was refused. Apparently he died because he did not have enough faith.purposes. Patricia Baldwin of the Appalachian Quarterly magazine send in information by Kevin Mullins, where he said that a man in Kentucky was bitten by a snake and died after treatment by paramedics was refused. Apparently he died because he did not have enough faith.

Virginia Magazine Blue Ridge Country: The December 1997 issue of this prestigious magazine presents an in depth article by the writer Joan V. Schroeder about  the Melungeons, the Portuguese, and the first union of the Melungeons.

Books and Studies about the Portuguese: The Portuguese Studies Review: Volume 6, Number 7, has been been released and the theme is On The Age of Vasco da Gama, with five articles by Karen Alexander, Timothy Coates, Francis Dutra, Ivana Elbl and Geraldo Pieroni. The editor and contributing writer is Professor Douglas L. Wheeler of the University of New Hampshire. It is distributed to the I.C.G.P. Members. Membership cost is $29.00 per year. For more information write to: I.C.G.P. c/o Department of History, University of New Hampshire, Durham New Hampshire 03824, USA.

Portuguese Volunteer Soldiers in the US Civil War: Lt. Cdr. Gilbert L. Wells of Colares, Portugal, recently wrote an article describing the participation of Portuguese in the Civil War as part of the 39 Volunteer Company of New York, later called the Garibaldi Guard. Not only they fought for the north, but also for the south.

Tristão da Cunha, Island: Phillip Gowan went on journey to this island discovered in 1502 by a Portuguese Admiral of the same name. It was a rest place for many Portuguese navigators in the age of discovery but did not became permanently settled till 1816. Several attempts were made with no success prior to that date. See the Gowen Research Foundation Newsletter of January 1998 for an interesting story about a journey to a strange place without telephone or TV.

Melungeon visited Lisbon in the 1800's: A very interesting story is starting to unfold. According to Patricia Hopkins Baldwin of the Appalachian Q.Magazine, her gg grand father served seven years at sea during the Civil War, and his ship the Patrick Henry sailed around the port of Lisbon and he was chosen to be one of the ships' liaison because he could speak the language. There is a long tradition in the Hopkins family of being "Portyghee". They were in the SW Virginia for at least 150 years prior to his service in the Confederate Navy. Further research is continuing, including the search for records of the visit in the Port of Lisbon. We invite anyone in Portugal with connections to the "Biblioteca da Marinha" to help and become part of this research.

Melungeons-like Mystery: Evelyn McKinley Orr is a Member of our Advisory Council and has brought to our attention through the Gowen Research Foundation Newsletter of a story revealed on ETV. Apparently the Chinese never wanted to admit that Caucasians lived in China. A determined group of scientists have managed to solve the mystery of 3,300 year old Caucasian mummies buried in China. They have determined that these people of possible Celtic ancient heritage and a migration pattern 3,000 years ago from Western Europe (Portugal and Spain) to China. Call 1-800-255-9424 for a copy of "Ancient Mummies of China."

Portuguese-American population: It is estimated to be more than two million and their contribution to the American economy is estimated in several billion dollars per year according to Ron Cruz, the President of PALCUS, a Washington organization of Portuguese-American leaders.

Portuguese-American Newspaper: The Luso-Americano is published twice a week in Newark, NJ and mailed to all the states and Canada. The paper is mainly written in Portuguese, although it has one page in English. Anyone interested in subscribing, send an email to: manuel@dnet.net.

Southeast Chamber of Commerce: The Portuguese have recently formed a new Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta to serve as a link between US Business and Portuguese business in Portugal. This is an opportunity for the many cultures of people from the Southeast to get acquainted with the Portuguese. Victor Marques formerly of CNN is the President.

Gowen, Goans, etc.  research very active: Daily requests are coming in through the e-mail with stories of their ancestors and requests for help in tracking their origin. They're being compiled, and filed for future reference. The Gowen Research Foundation has a very large library on Gowens related families.

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