New Exhibit Explores Often Forgotten Chapters of Kalaupapa’s History

Windward Community College and Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa open “A Source of Light, Constant and Never Fading,” a historical exhibit next week.

The exhibit evokes stories about the strong relationship between the Royal Family of Hawaiʻi and the people of Kalaupapa, along with other often forgotten chapters of the history of Kalaupapa.

The exhibit will launch on November 6 at Hale Laʻakea Library Learning Commons on the Windward CC campus on Oʻahu, and will run through late February.

A Source of Light, Constant and Never Fading uses 12 double-sided panels to feature historical and modern photographs, letters from the early residents of Kalaupapa, quotes from the aliʻi and the people of Kalaupapa, mele and other historical events often left out of traditional histories.

Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa is a nonprofit organization founded by the residents of Kalaupapa, their family members/descendants and friends of the community. The ʻohana is dedicated to honoring and remembering each of the nearly 8,000 people who were taken from their families and isolated on the Kalaupapa peninsula due to government policies regarding leprosy.

On Nov. 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Valerie Monson from Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa will introduce the exhibit at the opening reception, share the mission of Ka ʻOhana and its current projects and give a walking tour of the exhibit. Relatives of Kalaupapa residents have been invited. The reception is free and the public is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

On Dec. 2 from 5 to 6 p.m., Colette Higgins, dean of academic affairs at Windward CC, will deliver a public presentation in the library titled “Three Queens & the People of Kalaupapa” about how three queens of Hawaiʻi helped those who were sent to Kalaupapa.

Kalaupapa exhibit opens Nov. 6 at Windward CC’s Hale La‘akea. PC: UH.

Dec. 2 talk about how three queens responded. PC: UH