Filipino American National Historical Society Monterey Bay Area Chapter
About Filipino American National Historical Society Monterey Bay Area Chapter
The Filipino American National Historical Society Monterey Bay Area Chapter is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing the rich history of Filipino Americans in California's Central Coast region. Serving the Monterey Bay area, including Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, as well as the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys, FANHS Monterey Bay brings together historians, educators, and community members committed to uncovering and celebrating Filipino American contributions to the region. The organization specializes in historical research, community education programs, and cultural exhibits that highlight the Filipino American experience spanning over a century. Through publications such as "Shadows on Main Street," a collection of memoirs documenting Filipino family histories in Monterey County, the chapter preserves firsthand accounts of Filipino laborers, contractors, and merchants who shaped local communities. FANHS Monterey Bay actively partners with cultural organizations to present exhibits at regional festivals and events, focusing on topics ranging from Filipino entertainers to the historic First and Second Filipino Infantry regiments stationed at Fort Ord. The chapter organizes community gatherings, luncheons, and educational forums where members share stories and knowledge about Filipino American history. By combining rigorous historical research with accessible community programming, FANHS Monterey Bay ensures that the contributions and experiences of Filipino Americans in the Central Coast remain recognized, documented, and celebrated for future generations.