In a poignant exploration of identity and resilience, the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., is currently hosting an exhibition titled “How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories.” This compelling showcase, running until 28 November 2027, unveils the rich history of Filipino migrants and their quest for the American Dream, based on artefacts unearthed from long-forgotten steamer trunks.
A Treasure Unearthed
The narrative of this exhibition began in 2005 when Antonio Somera stumbled upon 26 steamer trunks while clearing out a building in Stockton, California. These trunks, untouched for decades, contained the personal belongings of Filipino migrants who had journeyed to the United States as far back as the 1910s. Among the treasures was a delicate pillowcase, embroidered with the haunting phrase “HOW CAN YOU FORGET ME” in vivid red thread. This seemingly simple item serves as a profound reminder of the lives left behind and the new ones being forged across the Pacific.
Curated by Sam Vong, the exhibition goes beyond mere labour history; it aims to illuminate the full spectrum of humanity within the migrant experience. “The goal is to have visitors not only see fragments of these migrants’ lives but their full humanity as well,” Vong remarks. This intention is particularly crucial given that much of the historical narrative surrounding these individuals has often reduced them to mere economic subjects.
The Manong Generation
The term “Manong,” meaning “older brother” in Ilocano, affectionately refers to the early wave of Filipino labourers who settled in California and Hawaii. Predominantly young and single men, these workers left their families behind to toil in agricultural fields under the imperial shadow of the United States over the Philippines. The exhibition navigates through their experiences, illustrating how they built a vibrant community in Stockton that would serve as a cornerstone for future generations of Filipinos in America.
Vong’s innovative approach to the exhibition’s layout—conceptualising it as a literal and metaphorical unpacking of the trunks—invites visitors to engage with the personal stories hidden within. As one moves through the space, artefacts reveal not only the harsh realities of agricultural labour but also the activism and community-building efforts that defined the Manong experience.
Beyond the Trunks: Community and Identity
In addition to the original contents of the trunks, the exhibition features objects on loan that deepen the narrative. Notably, a beauty pageant dress used for fundraising highlights the pivotal role women played in supporting the community, despite the male-dominated labour landscape.
When Vong first opened the trunks, he anticipated finding conventional agricultural tools but was surprised by items like three-piece suits and Stetson hats. These artefacts reflect a conscious effort among the migrants to present themselves with dignity, despite their economic struggles. “They understood the politics of presentation,” Vong explains. “They saved their money to look respectable at a time when they were often reduced to stereotypes.”
Their carefully curated self-representations extended to stylised photographs that they sent home as postcards, showcasing their desire to appear successful and integrated within American society. “They wanted to send these as postcards to their families back home,” Vong notes, emphasising the pride they took in their appearance.
Navigating Political Tensions
The timing of this exhibition is particularly significant, set against a backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding immigration and national identity. Recent political discourse has seen a surge in divisive rhetoric, especially following the Trump administration’s executive order in March 2025, which aimed to undermine institutions like the Smithsonian by labelling them as influenced by a “divisive, race-centered ideology.”
However, Vong remains undeterred by these challenges. “The executive order has not shaped the way I tell this story,” he asserts, reaffirming his commitment to sharing the narrative of individuals striving to achieve their version of the American Dream. He views the current climate as an opportunity to present complex historical realities in a digestible manner, fostering a broader understanding among audiences.
The reception of the exhibition has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among the descendants of immigrants. Many visitors resonate with the steamer trunks, reflecting on the objects their own families brought to America. “When people connect to the objects and stories in the exhibition, they feel inspired to become their own historians,” Vong shares, highlighting the transformative potential of personal connection to history.
Why it Matters
This exhibition serves as a vital reminder of the complexities entwined within the immigrant experience in America, particularly for the Filipino community. It challenges us to recognise the human stories behind historical narratives often reduced to statistics and labour policies. By engaging with these artefacts, visitors are not merely learning about the past; they are invited to reflect on the ongoing struggle for identity, belonging, and dignity that continues to resonate in contemporary society. The stories of the Manong Generation illuminate the tenacity of the human spirit, urging us to remember and honour those who paved the way for future generations.
