A poignant exhibition currently at Washington D.C.’s National Museum of American History invites visitors to delve into the rich yet often overlooked history of Filipino Americans. Titled *How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories*, the show features a remarkable collection of artefacts that belonged to Filipino migrants who began arriving in the United States as early as the 1910s. Curated by Sam Vong, the exhibition is a powerful exploration of identity, community, and the enduring quest for the American dream.
A Hidden Treasure in Stockton
The story of this exhibition begins in 2005 when Antonio Somera stumbled upon 26 steamer trunks in Stockton, California, while clearing out a building’s basement. These trunks, long untouched, were packed with personal belongings of Filipino migrants, revealing a treasure trove of history and memory. Among the finds was a striking white pillowcase, embroidered with the phrase “HOW CAN YOU FORGET ME” in vivid red thread. This simple yet evocative item encapsulates the emotional complexities of migration—a symbol of the lives left behind and a marker of the new beginnings forged across the Pacific.
The Manong Generation and Their Legacy
At the heart of the exhibition is the Manong Generation—a term of endearment meaning “older brother” in Ilocano, referring to the first wave of Filipino labourers in the U.S. Primarily young, single men, these individuals left their families to work in the agricultural fields of California and Hawaii, drawn by the promise of a better life. While the exhibition may initially seem focused on agricultural labour, it ultimately seeks to convey a deeper narrative about community and humanity.
“The goal is to have visitors not only see fragments of these migrants’ lives but their full humanity as well,” Vong states. By presenting the stories of these individuals, the exhibition aims to challenge the perception of them as mere economic entities, showcasing instead their vibrant community life in Stockton—a hub for future generations of Filipinos in America.
Unpacking History: A Journey Through Time
The layout of the exhibition is designed to take visitors on both a literal and metaphorical journey through the lives of the manongs. The steamer trunks serve as time capsules, revealing not only the arduous realities of agricultural work but also the resilience and advocacy efforts of these early migrants. Vong notes, “I wanted to take the visitors through a literal and metaphorical unpacking of the trunks.”
Among the diverse artefacts on display is a beauty pageant dress used for fundraising, highlighting the crucial role women played in uplifting the community, despite the male-dominated narrative surrounding the agricultural workforce. Vong’s unexpected discoveries in the trunks, including elegant three-piece suits and Stetson hats, shed light on the men’s understanding of social presentation. “They saved their money in order to look respectable in a time where they’re seen as people who were just made to farm,” he explains.
Navigating a Fractured Political Landscape
The exhibition emerges during a politically charged climate surrounding immigration in the United States. With the Trump administration’s executive order in March 2025 labelling the Smithsonian Institution as influenced by a “divisive, race-centered ideology,” Vong remains undeterred. He insists that the narrative of these migrants—individuals striving for the American dream—needs to be told, irrespective of political pressures.
Rather than viewing these challenges as barriers, Vong sees them as opportunities to elucidate complex topics like colonialism and imperialism in ways that resonate with a broad audience. The exhibition’s thoughtful presentation has resonated particularly well with descendants of immigrants, many of whom see reflections of their own family histories in the steamer trunks and artefacts on display.
Why it Matters
*How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories* serves not only as a celebration of Filipino American heritage but also as a vital reminder of the broader immigrant experience in the United States. By spotlighting the stories of those who have often been marginalised in historical narratives, the exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and belonging. It invites visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations before them, inspiring them to become their own historians and advocates for their communities. As the exhibition continues until 28 November 2027, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream of a better life across the ocean.
