Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in October commemorates the first Filipinos to arrive in the continental United States at what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. Celebrated in October, Filipino American History Month honors the history, pursuits, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipinos in the United States. In celebration of FAHM this year, the Filipino American National History Society (FANHS) is highlighting the theme of “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement, Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Immigration & Naturalization Act.”

Plus, join in the conversation on social media through our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts during October and all year long.

Women in Science Mixer

Please join us for a Women in Science panel discussion on Wednesday, October 8th, at the Field Museum East Atrium. This event is open and free to attend. Teens are welcome to join to hear from our panelists!

    Meet a Scientist: Ethnoastronomy of the Ivatan Community in Batanes, Philippines

    Learn about alternate views of astronomy as perceived by the Ivatan Indigenous community resigning in Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. Learn about a project that explores traditional Ivatan knowledge of astronomy and examines its use in contemporary society, especially in the light of the changing night sky.

    Armour Seminar: Ashley Dequilla

    On Oct 22, join us for a talk by Ashley Dequilla, Co-Curator Partner of the Philippine Heritage Collection at the Field Museum of Natural History and the collection manager for the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago. 

    Did you know

    The Field Museum is home to over 13,000 items from the Philippines. It is the largest collection of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

    Monthly tours of the collection can be scheduled with Ria Pretekin rpretekin@fieldmuseum.org

    • Bayanihan: Unity in Community

      The focus of this lesson is to share Filipino American stories and honor the contributions Filipino Americans have made to American history, many of which are largely forgotten.

      Lesson Plan|Grades 6-12

    Check out the Chicago Public Library for these recommended titles:

    Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dawn B. Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta

    When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling

    Any Day with You by Mae Respicio

    Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

    I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib

    Latinos of Asia: How Filipinos Break the Rules of Race by Anthony Ocampo

    Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas

    Recommended Exhibiitions

    Scavenger Hunt

    As you explore the Museum, discover the impact Filipino staff have made with our scavenger hunt. Download below or pick up a copy as you enter the Museum.