House of Panama Est. 1989

The House of Panama started as a vision.  Mrs. Dorotea Lindsay, one sunny afternoon, while visiting the House of USA cottage, approached the lady who was in charge of the cottage and, inquired about the purpose of the park and cottages were.   The lovely lady explained the purpose of the cottages.

Noticing Mrs. Lindsay’s accent, the lady asked her where she was from.   Ms. Lindsay proudly said she was from Panama.  The lady immediately told Mrs. Lindsay they didn't have a House of Panama and invited her to one of the meetings.

After the meeting, and knowing this was a good thing, Mrs. Lindsay took the initiative to get the paperwork started.  Along the way she obtained the assistance of Mrs. Martiza Bowen.  In 1987, the House of Panama was accepted as a conditional member of the House of Pacific Relations. In 1989, the House of Panama became an official part of the House of Pacific Relations.  

The purpose of the House of Panama is to promote its beautiful culture and customs, and celebrate the diversity of its people.  Most importantly, as a Non-profit organization, it tries to help organizations in Panama.  In past years, we have sent medications to the Association of Diabetics in Colon and walking canes to the Society of the Blind in the City of Colon.   We have also helped several Panamanian families in need in California. 

Currently, due to lack of membership, the house has encountered some hardships and the funds have been depleting.  In the last three years, the house members have used different approaches that have helped in saving the house from being closed.

Under the umbrella of the House of Pacific Relations the House of Panama has three standing obligations:  the Ethnic Food Fair, the December Nights and a Lawn Program, which usually takes place during the summer.  At the Lawn Program, it's when our country shines.  All our volunteer members go out of their way to make this event a total success.  From the Folkloric Dance group Sonares de Mi Tierra to the little lady in the kitchen; they all put their hearts out to make this event a success.

The Folkloric Dance group "Sonares de Mi Tierra" started at the same time as the House of Panama.   Back then the group was called the House of Panama Dance Group.  It included children and adults.  Now it only has adult dancers.  In 1995 the group changed its name to Sonares de Mi Tierra (Sounds of My Land).  The Group has performed in many Community events as well as private parties.   

20 years later, the many ups and downs, the House of Panama is still going strong, and is working harder to obtain its own cottage.  We hope to one day get the full support of all Panamanians throughout the world to become members of this unique organization.

For more information about the House of Panama or how to become a member, visit www.houseofpanama.org or contact Mrs. Dayra Barnfield at (619) 922-8112.