Rooted in the historic city of Delano, CA, the Filipino American National Historical Society Delano Chapter carries forward a mission of education, enlightenment, and cultural enrichment that began when FANHS was founded in 1982 by Dr. Fred Cordova and Dr. Dorothy Cordova in Seattle. As a grassroots organization, the Delano chapter connects deeply with its community through monthly Zoom meetings, cultural performances, and collaborative projects that celebrate Filipino American identity and resilience. The chapter's location in Delano holds special significance—the city where Filipino workers courageously initiated the 1965 grape strike alongside labor leader Larry Itliong, marking a pivotal moment in American labor history. Today, FANHS Delano honors that legacy while serving the broader southern San Joaquin Valley community with programs that promote understanding and appreciation of Filipino American contributions. From hosting cultural concerts featuring Filipino artists to facilitating intergenerational storytelling through the Salasay initiative, the chapter creates spaces where families can explore their heritage and share their narratives. The organization believes, as founder Fred Cordova expressed, that each Filipino American person is an important story worth preserving and celebrating. By combining historical documentation with contemporary cultural events and community engagement, FANHS Delano fosters a sense of belonging and pride among Filipino Americans in the region while educating the broader Delano community about this vital chapter of American history.
Delano, CA