Archives

Among FANHS' priorities is its National Pinoy Archives (NPA), a simple, non-professional repository, initiated in 1987 in Seattle to appraise, collect, preserve and make accessible to the public for research textual, graphic and electronic historical records - some dating as early as pre-World War I, to document the Filipino American Experience relative to individuals, groups, organizations, institutions and facilities.

Typical archival documentation is unique, original, primary resource material.

The NPA collection is primarily textual in the form of newspaper and magazine clippings, publications, research reports, correspondence, speeches, transcribed oral history interviews, government, legal and other matters, certificates, business cards, posters, political literature and signs, photographs, maps, drawings, other artwork and various other materials of historical value containing the history of Filipino Americans and important elements of their educational, economic, cultural, religious, political and social pursuits in the course of their daily lives and activities - all of which have been determined to be of ethnic importance, significance and legitimacy by Filipino American historians themselves.

Graphic materials, specifically vintage photographs and slides, and audio taped oral interviews are evaluated as adjuncts in the extensive collection of historical photos and oral history programs of the Demonstration Project for Asian Americans (DPAA), which supports and accommodates the NPA.

The National Pinoy Archives strives to safeguard the Filipino American past while accessing present and future needs for information.

MISSION

The FANHS National Pinoy Archives is the only one of its kind in the U.S. generally by its dedication and commitment to the preservation of materials on Filipino American history and culture and specifically by its already existing collection of comprehensive and indexed documentation on individuals, groups, organizations, institutions and facilities relative to Filipino Americans.

The NPA was organized in 1987 "to provide a repository and storage for research and gathered materials" as mandated in the FANHS' Articles of Incorporation in order "to conduct research and studies" in keeping with the mission of the FANHS "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 U.S."

To implement these goals, the NPA serves as the central core of archival collections while coordinating regionally supplementary collections in satellite archives initiated by FANHS chapters in their respective areas; the first satellite having been organized by FANHS' Oregon Chapter in Portland.

COLLECTION SCOPE

Holdings relate to the history and culture of Filipino Americans throughout the U.S. and its territories. Collection strengths and their resource materials include:

• Individuals' Division - More than 9,000 individuals throughout the U.S.
• Organizations' Division - Approximately 1,500 organizations nationwide including churches and other institutions.
• Special Interest Section including cultural, drama, entertainment, other performing arts interests, media and student groups.
• General Subjects Division, ranging from AIDS to yo-yos.
• Government/Legal Documents Limited Section.
• Facilities Section with Filipino American-owned-or-operated venues.
• Special Collections, including family gifts, personal papers, manuscripts and artifacts.
• Publications Section for vintage Filipino American newspapers and magazines.
• Video/Audio Division in development.
• The NPA has holdings of an estimated 1,100 linear feet of records in metal file cabinets and storage boxes.

ACCESS TO MATERIALS

With few exceptions, the records of the NPA are open to public research with access to the vast majority of records unrestricted.

Access to individual records is specified by terms of the FANHS agreed upon by the donor of the specific records and the NPA at the time of gift and receipt.

Some accessions may be subject to restrictions imposed to insure the integrity of certain individuals and to protect certain privacy rights, according to the wishes of the respective donor. No card catalogues are available.

A computerized general listing of all inventoried acquisitions is maintained. Volunteer NPA docents may be available to most collections.

Materials are to be scrutinized and studied only in the FANHS facilities.

No records will be released outside of the NPA premises for study use or other purposes.

However, copies of selected items may be arranged to be duplicated and ordered but requests are screened because of a lack of staff to comply with most requests. Researchers are urged to come to the NPA to do their own work. Duplication of selected items can be arranged with and payable to FANHS.

For access to the Demonstration Project for Asian American collections of photographic and other graphic materials, the same general rules apply with users subject to reproduction costs, release forms and copyright regulations as determined, imposed and approved by the FANHS' Executive Director.

Fees also are charged for special mailing requests.

APPOINTMENTS

Because of the NPA's location and remote storage, users are requested to telephone before visiting the archival repository 1) to learn whether materials on the subject of interest are available and 2) to arrange for an appointment with the Archivist or a volunteer NPA docent.

Users' arrangements must be made through FANHS (206) 322-0203.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Upon request, the NPA can provide services including workshops, photo exhibits, consultations for special programs to commemorate historical events as well as guidance on archival practices and procedures.

VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS

The NPA affords volunteers a two-fold opportunity: to learn more about Filipino American history and, in general, about archives.

Student intern programs are available. Agreements for class/course credit are arranged between FANHS and either the student's high school or academic department of a college or university.

LOCATION

National Pinoy Archives
Filipino American National Historical Society
810 18th Avenue, Room 100
Seattle, Washington 98122
(206) 322-0203

The NPA is housed in the Immaculate Community Center, formerly the Immaculate School, in Seattle's Central Area. The archival repository is accommodated in former classrooms, housing the national office of FANHS.

Normal FANHS office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Interim hours vary. Weekend hours are optional or by appointment.

Off-street parking is available in The Immaculate Parish yard behind the Community Center with entrances on either E. Columbia St. or Marion St. from 18th Ave.

GIFT FUND

The NPA requires no user's fee.

Money gifts are encouraged and appreciated in order to permit purchases, not otherwise possible, of archival materials, equipment and supplies, including Filipino American publications, valuable to researchers and students.

Checks should be made payable to FANHS and designated for the NPA. All contributions to FANHS are tax deductible.