Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the earliest documented evidence of Filipinos in the continental United States. The observance also celebrates Filipino heritage and the contributions of Filipino Americans.

The first Luzones Indios, or Filipino men, in the United States arrived at Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. A Spanish galleon named Nuestra Senora de Buena Esperanza carried Filipino crew members, Spanish soldiers among others. However, Filipinos immigrants would not settle in the U.S. until nearly 200 years later.

Today, Filipino-Americans are an integral part of the fabric of America. Since the first settlement in 1763, Filipinos have contributed to the development of the nation. From industry to education, government and the armed forces, Filipinos infused their heritage with that of the American Dream. Notable Filipino Americans include:

• Kiwi Camara – The attorney is known for being the youngest graduate from Harvard Law School at the age of 19.
• Prince – The pop singer rose up the charts with hits like Purple Rain and Little Red Corvette.
• Thurgood Marshall, Jr. – The son of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia Suyat Marshall served as a White House senior staff member in the Clinton Administration.
• Jose B. Nisperos – Nisperos became the first Asian to receive the Medal of Honor. He served as a member of the Philippine Scouts during the Moro Rebellion.
• Tim Lincecum – The All-Star MLB pitcher won three World Series Championships during his career – all of them with the San Francisco Giants.

FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH HISTORY

In 1988, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month to celebrate the contributions of Filipino Americans, their heritage and history. The U.S. Congress officially recognized the observance in 2009.

Explore More Cultures

• Scottish-American Heritage
• Caribbean American Heritage
• Asain American and Pacific Islander Heritage
• Gathering of Nations
• Black History Month
• African World Heritage
• Juneteenth
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• German American Heritage
• Native American Heritage
• Irish American Heritage
• Italian-American Heritage
• Native American Heritage Day
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• Filipino American Heritage Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth

All month long, explore Filipino heritage and culture. Discover their contributions to the growth of a nation. Visit museums and heritage centers. Read books about notable Filipino Americans or delve into film. We recommend:

• Filipinos in San Francisco from the Filipino American National Historical Society and Manilatown Heritage Foundation
• The Latinos of Asia by Anthony Christian Ocampo
• Filipino American Lives from PBS
• American Adobo directed by Laurice Guillen

You can also share your Filipino heritage through art, music or cooking. When you do, be sure to use #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth on social media.