Haggin Museum Project 1999

FANHS Stockton
PO Box 4616
Stockton CA 95204
StocktonFANHS@aol.com
(209) 462-3489
(209) 956-1728

FANHS STOCKTON FILIPINO MUSEUM EXHIBIT

The Stockton Chapter of FANHS, in conjunction with Stockton's Haggin Museum , developed a major Filipino exhibit that ran from April 11, 1999 through June 27, 1999. (It was originally scheduled to end on June 11, but it was happily extended to coincide with California's Sesquicentennial events taking place in Stockton on June 27. Several dignitaries attended the event and were guided through the exhibit.)

Check out a newspaper article from April 11, 1999, issue of The Record for a full story about the exhibit. Also check out the Exhibit Themes below to see the areas covered in the exhibit.

Several prominent Filipino American families were represented in the exhibit with family photographs and articles that were graciously lent to the museum.

Donations of funds were given to the museum to cover the cost of preparing and exhibiting such an extensive collection of Filipino memorabilia.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the project, including the donors, lenders, the organizers at the Haggin Museum and the members of FANHS, who made this exhibit a reality.

"FILIPINO ROOTS, AMERICAN LEGACY: The Stockton Experience."

April 11, 1999 through June 27, 1999.

This exhibition is an effort to encapsulate the history of people of Filipino descent in Stockton. Seven themes present the historical and cultural context in which Filipino Americans have lived.

Theme 1 - The Multi-cultural History of the Philippine Islands

The Philippines as homeland, cultural crossroads, and center of diversity ..... 350 years of Spanish colonization ..... the first Philippine Republic ..... the American colonial and commonwealth period ..... the Filipino American War following the Treaty of Paris that ceded the Philippines to the United Sates ..... Hawaiian plantations begin major labor recruiting in the Philippines.

Theme 2 - The Contributions of the Filipino Farm Laborers to Stockton

Coming to America ..... the farm labor experience ..... facing racism ..... asserting labor rights ..... supporting their own people through fraternal lodges, individuals and families.

Theme 3 - The "Bridge Generation" and their Accomplishments

Individuals born before 1945 of pioneer Filipino immigrants ..... work life ..... family life ..... self-employment as a step up ..... education, Stockton College, the GI Bill ..... social support systems ..... entry into white collar and professional positions ..... third generation, family trees ..... community service.

Theme 4 - World War II and the Military Service of Filipino Americans

Two Filipino American infantry regiments ..... the guerrilla warfare of Filipinos during the Japanese occupation ..... civilians whose financial and moral support was a critical part of Stockton life during the war years ..... war brides.

Theme 5 - Later Waves of Immigration to Stockton

The post-war experience ..... changes to Stockton and the Filipino American community ..... arrival of professionals, educators, those in medical professions ..... getting established in one's profession ..... community service ..... lack of connection to pioneer families ..... continued contact with homeland.

Theme 6 - Stockton's Filipino American Community Life - Past to Present

Musical events ..... dances ..... art ..... queen contests ..... lodge events ..... women's organizations ..... youth sports teams ..... professional associations ..... churches and religious life ..... Filipino centers ..... Filipino Plaza ..... Barrio Fiesta ..... language, dress, cooking, values, identity.

Theme 7 - Stockton's Filipino American Youth - Hopes and Dreams for the Future

Claiming their heritage ..... confusion about their mixed backgrounds ..... generation gap between 70+ year old parents and 20+ year old sons and daughters ..... higher education ..... Kilusan Pilipino and Pilipino Cultural Night ..... Pilipinos and Friends ..... youth groups ..... taking on the future with enthusiasm, determination, and ambition.