For more than a century, Sikh immigrants have shaped the history and identity of San Joaquin County. Beginning in the early 1900s, families journeyed from Punjab to the Central Valley, bringing their faith, resilience, and agricultural expertise.
By 1907, Sikh pioneers were establishing roots across the Valley, working in farming, railroads, and local industry while laying the foundation for a vibrant community that would endure for generations.
In 1912, Stockton became home to the first Sikh gurdwara in America. The Stockton Gurdwara and the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society quickly grew into centers of faith, activism, and community life and anchored Sikh American identity in the region. Stockton’s annual Nagar Kirtan parade reflects more than
celebration — it honors a century of Sikh presence in the region. Tens of thousands gather each year to walk, pray, serve langar, and carry forward the legacy of the first Sikh American community.
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum is debuting an unprecedented major exhibition aimed at preserving and sharing the history of the local Sikh community. Immersive mini-stations spotlight Sikh contributions to agriculture and trucking, powerful traditions like gatka martial arts, political and social activism, and vibrant contemporary Sikh art.
‘Sikhs in America: Faith, Resilience & Power’
- When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Aug. 22-Dec. 23
- Where: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 Micke Grove Road, located in Micke Grove Park in Lodi.
- Information: sanjoaquinhistory.org/visit.
This article originally appeared on The Record: New exhibit explores 100 years of Sikh history in San Joaquin County
