FANHS conference press release by Jenny Dizon

Filipino American National Historical Society
“The mission of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) shall be to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States.”


Contact:
Jennifer Dizon
jennifer.dizon@fanhs-hr.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2008


FILIPINO AMERICAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOLDS ITS 12TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, JULY 3 THROUGH 5

Anchorage, Alaska, June 16, 2008–The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) will host its 12th Biennial National Conference, “Lure of the Salmon Song,” at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, July 3 through 5, 2008. FANHS will also celebrate its 25th anniversary and honor three-term FANHS National President and former Alaska State Representative Thelma Buchholdt who recently passed away. The FANHS National Conference is open to those interested in learning and preserving Filipino American history. Registration and payment are required to attend.

The FANHS National Conference will highlight the stories of the Alaskeros, Filipino immigrants who worked in the Alaskan canneries in the early to mid-1900s. The Alaskeros faced harsh winters, discrimination, long hours and low wages; however, they worked hard to earn a decent living and to support their families. Over the years, Alaska’s Filipino American community rapidly grew. Hence, Dr. Aurora Hovland, FANHS Alaska Chapter Conference Coordinator organized the panel, “Alaska: Roots Beyond the Canneries” that focuses on experiences of more recent immigrants.

On July 2, pre-registered conference attendees will tour the Kenai Canneries. Workshops and plenaries will be held July 3 through 5; topics include “Double Identities: Alaska Native/Filipinos,” “Alaskero Experiences,” and “Pin@y Educational Partnerships,” to name a few. Already scheduled are more than 100 presentations on historical and regional research, educational curriculum, “how-to” workshops, identity, advocacy for Filipino World War II veterans and more. An Authors’ Reception will take place on the evening of July 3, and a banquet and silent auction are planned for July 5.

In 1982, Drs. Fred and Dorothy Cordova founded the Filipino American National Historical Society, a community-based organization, “to preserve, document, and present Filipino American history and to support scholarly research and artistic works which reflect that rich past.” Housed in Seattle, Wash., the national office and archives lend expertise and support to 28 chapters across the United States and is the primary resource on Filipino Americans.

All are welcome to join FANHS in Anchorage, Alaska. For questions regarding the FANHS National Conference, e-mail Dr. Joan May T. Cordova at forourcommunities@gmail.com. To register for the FANHS National Conference, to apply for or renew a FANHS membership, to become a sponsor, or for more information, visit http://www.fanhs-national.org, http://fanhsis25.blogspot.com and http://www.scribd.com/word/full/3023001?access_key=key-20hemr8vtmxsmywg3vmz. # # #