Migrant Mother Memorial Plaque - Nipomo, CA

My name is Terry Handy. I am a retired history teacher and a docent at the Dana Adobe and Cultural Center here in Nipomo, California. The famous “Migrant Mother” photo of Florence Owens Thompson was taken here in Nipomo in March of 1936. Dorothea Lange was a photographer for the Resettlement Administration (later the Farm Security Administration) during America’s Great Depression. Her famous image came to symbolize the struggles of ordinary American’s during this turbulent time. Currently there are no known memorials for this iconic photograph. Since the picture was taken in our community of Nipomo, we feel that this is the perfect spot to memorialize Dorothea Lange’s iconic photograph and the struggle of women like Florence Thompson.

We would use the funds for a bronze memorial marker approximately 30” x 20”. We also would use the funds to construct a podium or steel pedestal that will be secure, either at the future Jim Miller park or at the Dana Adobe. Some of the money will be used for a QR Code at the marker, future maintenance, and perhaps a bench in front of the memorial.