“Once a Slough, Always a Slough” with Tom Modugno

The Goleta Valley Historical Society is pleased to present this talk in which Tom Modugno, local history enthusiast and creator of Goletahistory.com, will use a collection of photographs to illustrate the story of Goleta Slough’s transformation over the last 500 years.

Once the site of a thriving and extensive Chumash settlement, the Goleta Slough was a potential mission location for the Spanish. Later, it became a small ship harbor, then a Marine base, and finally a municipal airport. Despite various development proposals over the years, the Goleta Slough remained a unique and important natural environment for wildlife, and in 1987, 440 acres were officially protected when the Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve was established. Today, many Goleta and Santa Barbara residents have no idea their airport was, and still is, first and foremost, a slough. Though every wet winter, Mother Nature gives us all a friendly reminder…

Tom Modugno is a lifetime resident of Goleta and a small business owner in the region. As a local history enthusiast, he realized many residents were unaware of the rich history we have in this community. In order to remedy that, Tom initiated, designed, and implemented the popular website GoletaHistory.com in 2014. Since then, his website has provided the public with a range of important and engaging information on key historical sites and events in the Goleta area. His articles have encouraged locals and visitors alike to explore and preserve the remaining landmarks, buildings, and historical stories of the community, especially the Barnsdall Gas Station and the two original hangars at the airport.

The talk is free for GVHS members and a suggested donation of $5 for non-members. RSVP is required: https://bit.ly/goletaslough