History of the IDESST
Sausalito Portuguese
Cultural Center

By Mike Moyle

Many of the early Portuguese immigrants to Sausalito were from the Azores, a nine-island Atlantic archipelago. Hungry to preserve their traditions in their new homeland, many of the immigrants banded together to form the the "Irmandade do Divino Espírito Santo e Santissima Trindade," or the “Brotherhood of the Holy Ghost and the Blessed Trinity." It is commonly known as the “IDESST” or Portuguese Hall and more recently as the Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center.

The IDESST was officially formed on May 13, 1888, and its initial facility was the Portuguese Hall located at 131 Filbert Street in Sausalito. That building is occupied by the Sausalito Christian Fellowship organization. The Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center moved to its current location on Caledonia Street in 1954. Since it’s founding, the Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center has been a focal point of the region's Portuguese community. The Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center is dedicated to the Holy Ghost Festival celebration and to preservation and promotion of Portuguese history and culture.

Photos | © Sausalito Historical Society

The Story of
Queen Isabel

In the late 13th century during a severe famine throughout Portugal, a compassionate Queen Isabel was determined to help her starving subjects. Legend has it that during her efforts she was confronted by the very harsh King Diniz while crossing the royal courtyard with crown jewels (in some versions of the story it was bread) hidden in her apron.

The King asked the Queen what she was carrying in her apron, and she responded “roses” although it was mid-winter and none were blooming. But when her apron was opened for the king’s inspection, the jewels had been miraculously converted to roses. The miracle allowed the Queen to continue to sell her jewelry to feed the starving Portuguese population.

Photo | © Mike Moyle