Susie Morasci, Volunteer Director for IDES Society, Half Moon Bay, CA

Susie Morasci is a senior corporate paralegal. She currently serves on the board of the IDES Society of Half Moon Bay and the Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee. IDES stands for The Society of the Divine Holy Spirit, and in Portuguese it is Sociedade Da Irmandade do Divino Espirito Santo. When Ms. Morasci is not working her day job or in her volunteer roles at those organizations, she can be found somewhere on a volleyball court coaching young players the game she loves or walking and playing with her fur baby, a French Bulldog named George. 

What led you to your role as Director of IDES?

After years of being a volunteer for various Portuguese organizations in Half Moon Bay, the opportunity presented itself, and I was honored and excited to jump on it.

How does what you do relate to historic preservation?

The IDES Society of Half Moon Bay is the oldest Portuguese society in the United States, and just celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2021. In 1871, in the home of Half Moon Bay (or Spanishtown, as it was known at that time) resident and Azorean immigrant, Rosa Brown, a celebration took place that was religious, historical, and cultural. The celebration is a Portuguese Pentecost Celebration or Celebration of the Holy Ghost, with origins dating to the 19th Century and is celebrated Pentecost Sunday each year. Every year since then, apart from a few years during war time, the celebration takes place. The other directors and I assure this tradition continues each year through fund-raising efforts, organizing, and volunteering many hours. While the celebration may have started in Portugal, it was brought to the United States and has been celebrated for 151 years now.

Why do you think historic preservation matters?

As I have become older, I have become more and more interested in my family history, which has also led me to the history of our community, specifically the Holy Ghost Festival. Half Moon Bay specifically has so much character that stems from our history. I think it so important to protect and share our local history and traditions with new generations. 

What courses do you recommend for students interested in this field?

History, of course.  But there is also great value in Art and Sociology.

Do you have a favorite preservation project?  What about it made it special?

At the IDES Society, my favorite project must be continuing the annual Holy Ghost Festival. This year we celebrated the 151st Festa. It means so much to me to be a part of making this celebration happen and share it with our community. My great grandparents celebrated similarly in the Azore Islands of Portugal, and my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. continue to celebrate it now. Not only is it a fun event in general, but it is so rich in history and tradition.

Can you tell us what you are working on right now?

We are working on fund-raising efforts including hosting a Portuguese Comedy Show in September and then a holiday festival in December to gear up for the 152nd Holy Ghost Festival.

Do you have advice for novice preservationists?

Be curious, and ask a lot of questions.

The ACHP’s mission is “preserving America’s heritage;” can you give us an example of how your community is preserving its heritage?

We celebrate our community history, not only at the IDES but by the building of the history museum. 

How do you balance your commitment to heritage preservation through IDES with your day job?

Sometimes it is hard to juggle day job projects with IDES projects, but both things are important to me, so I just do it. Plus, it helps my jobs have always been very supportive of volunteering in our communities. 

Does volunteering with something outside of your career affect your perspective on preservation?

Definitely, I think my day job is great and I love it, but my volunteering takes me out of spreadsheets and into community. It allows me to look back not only at my family history but also the history of Half Moon Bay. 

Read more Q&A stories about the Preservationists in Your Neighborhood!