Stories of Resilience

Through May 23

Through the exhibition Stories of Resilience, we are sharing stories of the individuals and identity groups who overcame injustices or were historically excluded from performing at or working at Filoli. Through an exhibition in the House and Garden and social media and virtual programming, we will highlight the continued creativity and contributions of artists, entrepreneurs, and garden professionals from diverse and underrepresented groups.

Stories of Resilience at Filoli & Beyond

Upcoming Blogs and Events

Learn about the ways Japanese incarceration and the Chinese Exclusion Act affected Filoli’s staff and nurserymen, discover how creative women like Bella Worn became successful entrepreneurs, and imagine Filoli as it could have been with contributions from Black and Latinx individuals — groups noticeably absent from Filoli’s census and historical records.

Using Television to Expose Racial Injustice

Census records reveal that there were no Black staff at Filoli during its time as a family home. Though the African American population in the Bay Area boomed after the end of World War II, the Peninsula was not a welcoming place for Black families.

Kee Low, long time chef for the Roth family pictured in the Kitchen

Chinese Exclusion Act: Chef Kee Low

The Roths’ chef Kee Low had a talent for duplicating dishes from the family’s international travels. Though census records mark Kee’s birthplace as California, his descendants state that he emigrated…

'Isabella Worn (Bella), standing on a garden path in the middle of beds full of lavender in the Garden, with Louis Mariconi (Head Gardener). Bella is wearing a v-neck patterned dress and brimmed hat and holds a sheaf of lavender. Tall poplar trees of the High Place visible in background.'

Early Women Entrepreneurs: Bella Worn

Filoli will celebrate the role of women in Horticulture, starting with Bella Worn who was a principal garden advisor and florist to the Bourn and Roth families. In 1888, she…

'Filoli Reception Room north half with butler Teikichi Taga setting a floral vase in the middle of the room. In center of room in middle of seating group of 4 side chairs, one George II Gainsborough chair, and red floral damask sofa. Bouquet on coffee table in center. Side table with glass ash tray. Refectory table behind sofa and small upholstered benches on either side of refectory table. Figurines and large flowering plant on top of refectory table. View into library through doorway in northwest corner and side chair to left of doorway. Large Flemish mille fleur tapestry over fireplace and small hanging tapestry on either side of fireplace. 2 green Neoclassical urns and clock on mantle. Side tables on either side of fireplace. High back sofa in front of northeast doorway. All on large tapestry rug. Lit chandelier at top right corner of photo. Pre-Internment image of Teikichi Taga.'

Japanese Internment During World War II: Toichi Domoto, Teikichi Taga & Mai Arbegast

Toichi Domoto’s nursery supplied plants for Filoli during the Roth era, including many varieties of camellias. Despite the challenges the Domoto family faced — including economic hardship during the Great…

Stories of Resilience