Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

05/20/2026

LAST CHANCE! Stop by the Russell Rotunda on Capitol Hill to check out “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawaii,” an exhibit we are presenting alongside to celebrate the rich history and culture of AANHPI communities.

05/04/2026

Tailored three-piece suits and a Stetson tipped just right. Filipino American farmworkers like Anastacio Atig Omandam rewrote the narrative stitched onto them.

By day, they endured the weight of “stoop labor.” By night, they stepped out in sharp silhouettes, defying every limitation placed on them.

When Anastacio Atig Omandam and other agricultural workers and members of Legionarios del Trabajo passed away, their personal belongings were placed in steamer trunks and stored in the lodge’s basement—remaining there for decades until they were rediscovered. Among them was Omandam’s trunk. As expected, it held work clothes and farm tools. But like many others, it also revealed something more: carefully preserved three-piece suits, each monogrammed with his initials, “AAO.”

These suits reflect a broader story. In the 1920s and 1930s, Filipino American farmworkers, despite earning meager wages, saved diligently to purchase tailored clothing. Far from the common images of men bent over in the fields, studio portraits found in these trunks show them with coiffed hair, fashionable hats, and stylish ties—presenting themselves with dignity, pride, and modern flair.

On view at "How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories," at National Museum of American History

To learn more, check out the article "Filipino men's fashion: Farmworkers in three-piece suits," by Ethan Johanson, Curatorial Assistant for "How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories."

https://s.si.edu/4d8rb6s

📸: Anastacio Omandam’s suit and Stetson hat, 1930s; Omandam’s bow tie, 1922. National Museum of American History. Photo by Jaclyn Nash

Studio portrait of two Filipino men in suits, 1930s. Courtesy of the Filipino Agricultural Workers Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History

05/01/2026

Hau'oli Lā Lei!

Ringing in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with ! In Hawai‘i, a lei is a garland made from flowers, leaves, seeds, nuts, feathers, or shells, worn around the neck or head. More than just an accessory, leis carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning—they’re given with love, respect, and to honor.

This lei is made from wiliwili seeds of the coral tree—vibrant red from Erythrina sandwicensis, deep black from Erythrina variegata, and beige from Erythrina variegata alba.

📷: Seed Lei, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

04/28/2026

1996 marked the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution and a milestone in expanding access to AANHPI histories.

That same year, the Office of Public Affairs published "Asian Pacific American Resources at the Smithsonian," a brochure created to support teachers, students, and researchers in exploring collections, databases, publications, fellowships, internships, and more.

Produced 30 years ago, it was part of a broader effort that also highlighted African and African American, Latino, and Native American resources, opening pathways to more inclusive storytelling.

📷: Cover, “Asian Pacific American Resources at the Smithsonian Institution” (1996). Smithsonian Institution Archives

04/27/2026

As we count down to AANHPI Heritage Month, we’re reflecting on the stories, communities, and cultural expressions that shape AANHPI histories in the United States.

In the late 19th century, neighborhoods like America’s Chinatowns became vital spaces of connection, resilience, and identity for Chinese immigrants navigating exclusion and change.

Lee B. Lok (1869–1942) immigrated from Guangdong Province to San Francisco in 1881, later settling in New York City’s Chinatown where he worked at Quong Yuen Shing & Co. Like many immigrants, he adapted to life in the U.S., adopting Western dress in his daily life. But on important occasions, he returned to traditional attire as a way of honoring his heritage.

This Manchu-style gown, which Lee ordered from China, was worn during the 1896 arrival of Li Hongzhang, an emissary of the Empress Dowager. With slits at the front, back, and sides designed for horseback riding, it reflects the equestrian roots of Manchu culture.

Clothing like this reminds us that identity is not static and traditional wear has long been a powerful way to assert presence and belonging. We honor the ways our communities have held onto culture—sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly, always intentionally.

📷: 1895 - 1896 Chinese American Man's Gown, Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

04/24/2026

We're just ONE week away from AANHPI Heritage Month! Stay tuned here for historical highlights, community spotlights, and all the details on upcoming events to celebrate our stories and legacies.

Did you know that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month actually started as just a week? 👀

In 1978, the U.S. government first recognized Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, celebrated during the first week of May. The dates were chosen to commemorate two key moments in history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 which was built largely by Chinese immigrant laborers.

More than a decade later, in 1992, the observance was expanded to a full month, what we now celebrate as AANHPI Heritage Month every May!

🖼️: "Perseverance, Progress: Asian Pacific American Heritage Week" poster designed by Miu Eng for Washington, D.C.'s 1982 observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. Miu Eng Eastern Wind collection, Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution, gift of Miu Eng.

04/22/2026

🌍✨ Happy Earth Day! We honor the vibrant beauty and history of our ʻāina.

This mural of prehistoric Kīpahulu Valley, Maui painted by Dr. Julian Hume offers a glimpse into a time when native birds thrived across Hawaiʻi. It's featured in the exhibition, "Lele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi’s Birds" at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu.

📷: A mural depicting prehistoric Kīpahulu Valley (Maui) painted by Dr. Julian Hume

04/21/2026

We extend our congratulations to Kapulani Landgraf, who has been selected to receive a 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship. We are excited to see her continued work and impact as a fellow.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is proud to support her work, with funds provided by the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool and administered in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

Landgraf is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) artist, cultural organizer, and educator whose place-centered, interdisciplinary practice advocates for the stewardship of Native Hawaiian history, culture, and ʻāina (land). Her work examines the impacts of colonization and land development in Hawaiʻi. In the series above, she researched and photographed sacred Hawaiian sites disturbed by sand mining.

Reflecting on this focus, she shared:

“We must always engage in creative forms of resistance to help prevent further erosion and destruction of nā wahi kapu [sacred sites], whose presence binds us to our ancestors, our oral and written traditions, our spiritual world, our land, its living entities, and our Indigenous history as well as our future.”
- Kapulani Landgraf, 2003

🖼️: Kapulani Landgraf, Kapukaulua, from the series Ponoiwi, 2011, hand-etched silver gelatin print, 23 7/8 × 28 3/8 × 2 1/2 in. (60.6 × 72.1 × 6.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Frank K. Ribelin Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2022.46.5, © 2011, Kapulani Landgraf

04/18/2026

Visions & Voices: Stories on the Screen presents “A Nice Indian Boy” (2024, 96 min), a romantic comedy about love, family, and identity.

*** Recommended for ages 16+; contains mature themes and language.

📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026
🕖 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
📍 Warner Bros. Theater, National Museum of American History
🔗🎟️Reserve your free tickets here https://s.si.edu/4vR09ZZ

Explore the complexities of love, belonging, and reconciliation across cultures and generations. Join us for the screening followed by a conversation featuring:

Roshan Sethi, Director

Karan Soni, Naveen Gavaskar

Sunita Mani, Arundhathi Gavaskar

Durba Ghosh, Professor of History; Director, Society for the Humanities, Cornell University

A warm, witty romantic comedy about an Indian American man navigating love, family expectations, and cultural belonging.

04/17/2026

Visions & Voices: Stories on the Screen presents “Nurse Unseen” (2023, 93 min), a history of Filipino and Filipino American nurses who risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic amid rising anti-Asian hate.

📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026
🕖 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
📍 Warner Bros. Theater, National Museum of American History
🔗🎟️Reserve your free tickets here https://s.si.edu/4mrCZop

Delve into the little-known history and humanity of Filipino and Filipino American nurses who have long been the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system. Join us for the screening followed by a conversation featuring:

Michele Josue, Director

Carlo Velayo, Producer

Nicole Guerzon, Nurse

Moderator: Hannah Dormido, Visual Journalist, Cartographer, Artist

A history of Filipino and Filipino American nurses who risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic amid rising anti-Asian hate.

04/17/2026

Generations of artists call Robert A. Nakamura “The Godfather of Asian American film,” but his son calls him Dad.

In Third Act Film, the filmmaking legend's son documents his father's legacy as a Japanese American activist and artist in their last ever film together.

Get free passes to the May 2 screening at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art here: https://s.si.edu/4cleggX

This event is copresented with Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

Trailer courtesy of Generation Films
Japanese American National Museum