Press release:
San Clemente, CA – On Friday, August 21st, 2015 The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC), will host its first annual National Luau in Washington, DC, as part of a three-event celebration of surfing as a catalyst of cultural change and innovation.
The Luau will bring together an unprecedented gathering of surfing legends and icons to “talk story” and celebrate legendary filmmaker, Bruce Brown and his documentary The Endless Summer, for the indelible mark they made on society.
The film’s co-stars, Robert August and Mike Hynson will attend together with other legendary surfers who appear in the film, including Paul Strauch, Fred Hemmings and Joey Cabell as well as a host of other surf celebrities. Co-star of Endless Summer II, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
During the Luau, SHACC will showcase its Endless Summer Collection, the most comprehensive display of authentic memorabilia from the film.
The weekend festivities continue on Saturday, August 22nd, with SHACC taking part in the Lemelson Center for Innovation and Inventions educational public program “Wave of Innovation” and the donation of significant surf artifacts, including a five surfboard timeline curated by SHACC including a board shaped by Duke Kahanamoku himself as well as the film The Endless Summer and it’s iconic poster to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
“Collaborating with our nation’s preeminent curators of history in recognizing surfing and The Endless Summer for their part in our history is an honor and privilege” said Dick Metz, SHACC Founder.
On Monday, August 24th, SHACC will join the Hawaiian community in honoring Duke Kahanamoku’s 125th birthday at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian’s cardinal direction stone of Hawai’i.
Duke Kahanamoku, considered the “father of modern surfing,” helped spread the popularity of surfing as he traveled around the world as the “Ambassador of Aloha” from Hawaii after winning a total of five medals in three separate Olympics Games.
“Having one of Duke Kahanamoku’s boards enshrined forever at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History along with The Endless Summer film and other boards gives me great satisfaction and assures that future generations will understand the importance of surfing culture in American History.” said Paul Strauch, SHACC Executive Director.
About Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
Founded in 2000 the Surfing Heritage is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting surfing’s heritage for the appreciation and education of current and future generations. SHACC serves as the world’s foremost educational and support resource for surfing publications, manufacturers, and museums. Surfing Heritage is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. For more information go to www.surfingheritage.org
