Its mission is “...to preserve, document, and present Filipino American history and to support scholarly research and artistic works which reflect that rich past...” The national office and archives is housed in Seattle, operating year-round to lend expertise and support to 34 chapters across the United States and is recognized as the primary informational resource on Filipino Americans for:
* community organizations
* primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities
* local and national museums and historical associations
* independent authors, playwrights, and filmmakers
* teachers, students, and scholars
Since 1987, FANHS has sponsored national conferences (later ratified as a biennial event) where community folks of all ages and from all walks of life gather to share and present research, network with other Filipino Americans, and honor those who have produced ground-breaking innovative work in the field of historical research and analysis.
Past projects include the award-winning video "Filipino Americans Discovering Their Past for the Future" the renowned pictorial essay "Filipinos: Forgotten Asian Americans" and various regional publications and photo exhibits.
The FANHS national network, comprised of 42 chapters throughout the United States, was founded by Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova in 1982. Her late husband, Dr. Fred Cordova, was the Founding President.
FANHS is a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (ID#91-1295854).