Celebrate Filipino American History Month

Celebrated in October, Filipino American (Fil-Am) History Month honors the history, pursuits, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipinos in the United States. It also serves to provide a link between Filipinos in the U.S. and Filipinos in the Philippines by showcasing their shared culture and heritage. 

Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the nation and the second largest ethnic group in California. The celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, when Luzones Indios, native Filipino sailors conscripted into the Spanish navy as labor during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, on Oct. 18, 1587. After years of advocacy by individuals and organizations, in 2009 the United States Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month. Various states, counties, and cities in the U.S. have established proclamations and resolutions declaring observance of Filipino American History Month.  

In celebration of Fil-Am History Month this year, the Filipino American National History Society (FANHS) is highlighting the role Filipino Americans have played in social justice movements in the United States. From the United Farmworkers Movement and the American Indian Movement, to civil rights, voting rights and Black Lives Matter, Philippine communities across the country have been at the forefront of the fight against systemic oppression, racism, and violence in this country.  

Adapted from the Filipino American National Historical Society website. 

• Art Activities

  Create a Mixed Media Painting inspired by artist Pacita Abad

  Make an Identity Zine inspired by activist and artist Carlos Villa

   

• Virtual Storytelling

  Storyteller Ann Riley tells “Odon the Giant” 

  Storyteller Miriam Mills tells “Odon the Giant” (preschool version) 

  “Odon the Giant” Draw Along Activity

   

• Recipes

  Yana Gilbuena’s Pancit Molo

  Watch Yana make her Pancit Molo as part of the museum’s virtual At the Table series 

   

• Explore the Collection

  Native Song by Santiago Bose 

  Pattern Recognition by Jenifer K Wofford 

  Philippine Art: Collecting Art, Collecting Memories on Google Arts & Culture 

   

• Books and Other Resources

  Learn more about Filipino American History Month with books from the museum boutique 

  Here Wee Read’s list of picture books celebrating Filipino American History Month 

  Carlos Villa Teacher Packet with resources and lesson plans 

  Leo Valledor Teacher Packet with resources and lesson plans 

  Watch highlights from the 2011 Filipino American History Month Celebration