Exhibition Showcases the Enduring Legacy of Early Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawai‘i
In recognition of Filipino American History Month, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is presenting “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawai‘i,” in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu. The exhibition, which examines the experiences and contributions of Filipino migrant workers—contract laborers known as sakadas—will be on view at the Philippine Consulate General Tuesday, Oct. 27–Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The exhibition centers on the lives of two sakadas, Eusebio Maglinte and Epimaco Fariola Mansueto, whose experiences illuminate the broader history of Filipino migration, labor and community building in Hawai‘i.
Beginning in the early 20th century, thousands of Filipinos were recruited to work on Hawai‘i’s sugar plantations. Sakadas became an essential part of Hawai‘i’s workforce and helped shape the islands’ social, economic and cultural landscape.
“We are excited to work with Consul General Arman R. Talbo and his team to bring our exhibition to Honolulu,” said Yao-Fen You, APAC’s acting director. “At the Smithsonian, we are committed to sharing the histories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals and communities. The story of the sakadas constitutes a vital chapter of Asian American—and American—history.”
“I am proud to partner with APAC to amplify the history of Filipino and Filipino American communities in Hawai‘i,” said Arman R. Talbo, consul general, Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu. “It is especially meaningful for the Consulate General to host the exhibition this year to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first sakadas in Hawai‘i. This partnership with the Smithsonian is also fitting as we commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines.”
The exhibition’s presentation in Honolulu also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the landmark Luce-Celler Act of 1946.
“Stories from the Field” was curated by Ethan P. Johanson, who also served as curatorial assistant for APAC’s exhibition, “How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories.”
“Stories from the Field” is supported by the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years. Additional support is provided through federal funding from the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool, administered by APAC.
Public Tours
Johanson will lead public tours of “Stories from the Field” Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Please register here.
About the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC)
APAC, established in 1997, ensures the comprehensive representation and inclusion of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders across the Smithsonian’s collections, research, exhibitions and programs. Through exhibitions, education initiatives and public programs, APAC provides new avenues to document, celebrate and share the rich and diverse history, art and culture of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. APAC’s current exhibition, “How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories” (on view at the National Museum of American History through Nov. 28, 2027), and its previous exhibition, “Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond,” are paving the way for a dedicated APAC gallery on the National Mall showcasing AANHPI history, art and culture. For more information about the center, visit its website and follow it on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.