Early Manteca Portuguese families who were in California when it belonged to Spain is the subject of a talk Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Manteca Historical Society and Museum, 600 W. Yosemite Ave.

When Mary Gomes Del Pino began teaching Portuguese culture classes at the Manteca Senior Center she learned more from her students, she said, than she taught.

“Their own family stories were so very interesting,” she said.

Those stories and her own family history led her to explore the Portuguese history in California and also Manteca.

“Most Manteca Portuguese came from the Azore Islands,” she said.

Many came here to operate a dairy because Manteca had the right soil and irrigation.

She will again be teaching Portuguese culture at the Senior Center in September.

“I not only teach the language but also include recipes and the culture.,” she said.

“So many of the younger generation are unaware of their history and what their families have contributed to the community.”.

Her presentation at the museum is free to the public and refreshments will follow her talk. For more information call the museum at 825-3021.