History of the Organization

National Chapter

Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) was founded in 1982 and chartered January 7, 1985 by the State of Washington. This is truly a community-based organization whose mission is “…to preserve, document, and present Filipino American history and to support scholarly research and artistic works which reflect that rich part…” The national office and archives is housed in Seattle, WA operating year-round to lend expertise and support to twenty-eight chapters across the United States and is recognized as the primary informational resource on Filipino American for:

  • Community organizations
  • Primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities
  • Local and national museums and historical associations
  • Independent authors, playwrights, and filmmakers
  • Teachers, students, and scholars

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Local Chapter

The California Central Coast Chapter was chartered on January 15, 1992 in Seattle as the 10th chapter nationwide. The co-founders are Ernie Cabreana, Past President, Joe Talaugon, Current Vice-President and Margie Talaugon.

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Goals

  1. Programs i.e. forum
  2. Publication newsletters, quarterly and journals
  3. Photos Exhibits
  4. Research Notes and Referrals
  5. Provide direction and assistance to individuals and groups interested in:
  • Oral History
  • Research
  • Collection of old photographs
  • Archival management
  • Public Programs: Lectures, photo
  • Exhibits, & journal writing groups

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Accomplishments

  1. Dedication of monument at Morro Bay.
  2. Recognition of Filipino American Pioneers in 2002 from Central Coast.
  3. Featuring the film “An Untold Triumph”, an award-winning documentary, narrated by actor Lou Diamond Phillips, focuses upon on the vital role played by some 7,000 Filipino Americans in World War II and in General Douglas MacArthur’s covert plan to retake the Philippines from Japanese enemy invaders. Many of these Filipino soldiers trained locally at Hunter Ligget, Camp Cook (now VAFB), Camp San Luis, and Camp Roberts. The story centers on a time when the war in the Pacific and the Japanese invasion of their Philippine homeland compelled Filipino immigrants and sons of immigrants in the U.S. to fight for the right to join American’s fight for freedom. This film was shown at the Royal Theater in Guadalupe, Ca on July 11, 2004.
  4. Mural Project in Lompoc, California funded by a grant from California Council for the Humanities and Fund for Santa Barbara. Sponsors of the project: FANHS-California Central Coast Chapter, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts and Education Center, the Lompoc Filipino American Club, and the Central Coast Filipino Coalition. The Lompoc Mural Society also provided support to the mural project. The mural honoring Central California Coast Filipino American heritage was dedicated in Lompoc on March 5, 2006. The mural is the work of veteran Santa Barbara muralist Carlos Cuellar, and it is located at the western wall of Bicycle Connection at the southeast corner of “J” Street and Ocean Avenue.
  5. P.I. Market in Pismo Beach, CA. A Summary of oral histories taken on January 12, 2007 with Timothy E. Frein of the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society and The Order of Minor Historians, San Luis Obispo, California Chapter. Interviews with: Milagros Domingo Tejada and Lucille Lor (two of the original owners of the market).
  6. Publication of book in 2008. “California Central Coast Chapter-Stories, Legends, and Memories”.
  7. At the passing of California State legislation (SCRA 48) on Sept 25, 2009 designating October as Filipino American History Month, the Filipino American community recognized 20 Filipino American veterans that fought in World War II. Two veterans: Ben Mosqueda was in the Baatan Death March. He was a Scout. Melanio Guillen was POW in the Baatan Death March. He received many medals especially the Purple Heart. He was injured in the war.
  8. Every year in October since 1995 as part of the Central Coast Filipino Coalition, Filipino American History Month has been celebrated with the goal of having all the Filipino American organization come for one big celebration.
  9. Involved with the Santa Maria Historical Society in showcasing the Filipino American culture and the history of the Central Coast Filipinos in 2008.
  10. In 2010 collaborated with Assistant Professor Grace Yeh, Ph.D. of Ethnic Studies Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA and the Arroyo Grande Historical Society, this chapter was involved in showcasing some artifacts, oral history and photos of the Central Coast Filipino Americans especially the farmworkers.

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Site Dedication

The Chapter’s first major project was the dedication at Morro Bay, California on October 21, 1995.

During the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade era from 1565-1815, Spanish galleons crossed the Pacific between the Philippines and Mexico.

On October 18, 1587, the Manila Galleon, Nuestra Senora de Esperanza commanded by Pedro de Unamuno, entered Morro Bay near Coleman Park. A landing party was sent to shore which included Luzon Indios, marking the first landing of Filipinos in the continental United States. The landing party took official possession of the area for Spain by putting up a cross made of branches. The group was attached by native Indians two days later and one of the Filipinos was killed. Unamuno and his crew gave up further exploration of this part off the coast.

This monument is located in Coleman Park near the foot of the famous Morro Rock.

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Resolution

A resolution was passed in 1992 by FANHS Board of Trustees, to proclaim October as Filipino American History Month, commencing in the year 1992 to mark the 405th anniversary of the presence of Filipinos in the United States.

On September 25, 2009, the State of California passed legislation designating the month of October 2009, and every October thereafter, as FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 48: Click here to download the Senate Concurrent Resolution No.48 - relative to Filipino American History Month.

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