CSU Dominguez Hills sets up Fil-Am history digital archives

The Gerth Archives & Special Collections at Cal State University Dominguez Hills hosted a formal launch of its own Filipino American Digital Archives (FADA) on the 5th floor of its impressive University Library on March 5, 2022. INQUIRER/FP IBANEZ

CARSON, California — A new digital repository has been established at the Cal State University Dominguez Hills Library in the City of Carson, California.

As an on-going project, the archives invites the public to submit photos, videos, meeting notes of organizations and any other materials related to Filipino American history and community activities.

For information on how to donate family and community collections to the CSUDH Gerth Archives and Special Collections, please contact, Greg Williams, director at (310)243-3013 or [email protected].

The Filipino American Digital Archives (FADA) now counts among other Filipino American-related holdings at the Bulosan Center at UC Davis, the USC – East Asia Library collection of the Filipino American Library and Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) – Pinoy Archives in Seattle, WA.

At the formal launch CSUDH archivist Greg Williams introduced speakers and presentations from University Library Dean Stephanie Brasley, City of Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, Congresswoman Nanette Barragan and Philippine Consul General Edgar B. Badajos. A rondalla ensemble from the Filipino Cultural School entertained attending community members, students and academics.

Dr. Mary Talusan Lacanlale, of Asian Pacific Studies at CSUDH, who initiated the creation of the archives, is the author of the recent book Instruments of Empire: Filipino Musicians. Black Soldiers, and Military Band Music during US Colonization of the Philippines.

Also introduced were Roselyn Ibanez (Disclosure: This reporter is her co-author) author of Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay, Dr. Donna Nicol, Chair of Africana Studies at CSUDH, who is Afro Filipina, Linda Nietes-Little, founder and owner of Philippine Expressions Bookshop, who sent a digital message.