This powerful new exhibit highlights Filipinos’ deep roots and lasting impact on Washington’s waterfronts.

It's an immersive and richly illustrated exhibition that explores more than a century of Filipino American histories, labor, culture, and community along Washington’s saltwater shores. Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront brings to light the often untold stories of Filipino individuals and families who helped shape the maritime heritage of Washington State — from early migrations and labor on shipyards and canneries to military service and vibrant community life along the Salish Sea.

This traveling and virtual exhibition was created through a collaboration between the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, with generous support from the National Park Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It uncovers personal narratives, archival images, oral histories, and cultural artifacts that illustrate Filipinos’ connections to waterways as places of work, community, and celebration.

Exhibition Highlights Include:

Migration and Maritime Journeys — Stories of Filipino migrants arriving by boat and establishing new lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Labor at the Waterfront — The critical roles Filipinos played as longshore workers, cannery laborers, shipyard employees, and community organizers — including early union efforts such as the Cannery Workers and Farm Laborers Union.

Military Service — Filipino sailors and service members with deep ties to U.S. naval history.

Culture, Foodways, and Community — The everyday lives, traditions, and celebrations that tied families to waterfront towns and cities across Washington.