Celebrating Filipino American History Month Across Chicago and the Midwest
An archive can inspire a performance. A performance can open a conversation between generations. A family story can become a learning resource. These connections are at the heart of the community work I am grateful to share with so many of you.
This October, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) invites us to celebrate Filipino American History Month through the theme “Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories.” It asks us to consider whose stories we remember, whose experiences remain overlooked, and how we can preserve a fuller account of our community’s history.
Intersectionality recognizes that our experiences are shaped by overlapping aspects of our lives, including race, gender, migration, class, disability, and sexuality. FANHS’s theme calls attention to histories that deserve greater recognition, including those of women, LGBTQ+ people, Indigenous and Moro/Muslim Filipinos, people with disabilities, multiracial Filipinos, undocumented immigrants, and adoptees.
“Read FANHS’s official 2026 theme statement.” (https://www.fanhs-national.org/2026-filipino-american-history-month-theme)
Through my work with FANHS Greater Chicago, the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC), CIRCA Pintig, the Rizal Center, and the Filipino School of Chicago, I see how history, theater, education, and community service intersect. Our organizations have distinct missions, but our relationships create opportunities to learn from one another and connect across generations.
At the Rizal Center, those connections take place in everyday encounters: families gathering for classes, artists rehearsing, neighbors meeting over a chessboard, and audiences discovering a story together. Each encounter can help someone feel that their experiences matter and that they have a place in our community.
As FAHSC celebrates its 40th anniversary and CIRCA Pintig marks its 35th season, I invite you to explore the activities below. I gathered this calendar to help more people discover the work happening around us and participate in keeping our histories alive.
Preserving Our Histories
October 3: FAHSC 40th Anniversary Gala & Exhibits Closing Reception
From 5 to 7 PM at the Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg, celebrate four decades of preserving Filipino American history and the closing of Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America and 40 Years of Stories and History.
“Get tickets” (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fahsc-exhibits-closing-reception-and-fund-raising) | “Learn about the exhibitions” (https://fanhschicago.wordpress.com/filipino-nurses-exhibit/)
October 14: Unheard Voices of Care Opens at UIC
The traveling exhibition brings Filipino nurses’ histories, migration, contributions, and personal experiences to the UIC Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, 723 W. Maxwell St., Chicago. A panel runs 3:30–4:30 PM, followed by a reception 4:30–6 PM. Produced by FAHSC, CIRCA Pintig, and House of Nurses, the exhibition is free and open to the public and continues through December 4.
“Information and RSVP” (https://wlrc.uic.edu/events/unheard-voices-of-care-reception/)
October 17: The Soul Anchors of the Filipina
Visit the opening reception and open house for FAHSC Museum’s new art exhibition highlighting Filipina perspectives, 10 AM–2 PM, at Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St., Suite 316.
“Information and RSVP” (https://fanhschicago.wordpress.com/events/)
October 17: Tracing Home: A Family History & Archiving Workshop
From 3 to 5 PM at Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., historian and author Dr. Jenny Thompson introduces tools for researching and preserving family and community stories. Using local Filipino American history as a starting point, the workshop welcomes anyone interested in uncovering their own history.
“Information and registration” (https://www.evanstonaspa.org/event-details-registration/tracing-home-a-family-history-archiving-workshop)
Stories, Creativity, and Connections Across the Midwest
October 16–18: FACT Conference 2026
The Philippine Student Association at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosts Filipinx Americans Coming Together (FACT). This year’s theme, Mahiwagahan: Enchanting Our Bright Minds, brings participants together through workshops, cultural programming, and community connection.
“Conference information and registration updates” (https://fact.psauiuc.org/)
October 17–18: Not Alone Anymore: Asian American Solo Show Festival
Presented by CIRCA Pintig and Asian American Arts Chicago, this new festival brings solo theater and storytelling to the Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago.
On Saturday, October 17, see Lauren Kee at 2 PM and Huy Nguyen at 5 PM, followed by a “How to Make a Solo Show” workshop at 7 PM.
On Sunday, October 18, celebrate Filipino American voices with RJ Silva at 2 PM and Lani T. Montreal’s Anak ni Tapia: Leaving Mother at 5 PM. The festival closing party begins at 6:30 PM.
“Tickets and festival passes” (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/not-alone-anymore-asian-american-solo-show-festival) | “More about CIRCA Pintig’s season” (https://www.circapintig.org/2026-season/)
October 24: Rooted in the Philippines, Created in Chicago
From 1 to 3 PM at the Albany Park Branch of Chicago Public Library, 3401 W. Foster Ave., Filipino American creatives working in music, film, literature, food, and fashion discuss their heritage and contributions to Chicago’s cultural landscape. Presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago in partnership with FAHSC and the Chicago Public Library.
“Register by email” (mailto:cultural@chicagopcg.com) | “Event information” (https://www.chicagopcg.com/announcements-2926.html)
October 24–25: The Art of Belonging Travels to Wisconsin
I am pleased to share that The Art of Belonging has been selected for support through a DCASE Individual Artist grant from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Our Wisconsin tour will connect us with local FANHS chapter members, extending our exploration of Filipino American stories and belonging across the Midwest. Locations and times will follow, along with information about our Michigan tour.
“Learn about The Art of Belonging” (https://www.circapintig.org/the-art-of-belonging/)
Gathering in Community
October 25: Rizal Center Chess Club Monthly Tournament
Join a day of chess and connection from 9 AM to 4 PM, with the first round at 10 AM, at the Rizal Center. Open and Children’s categories welcome rated and unrated players. Registration includes lunch and snacks, with a $5 discount for early registrants. Prizes will be awarded, and this is a nut-free event.
The tournament is officiated by the Chicago Chess Foundation, with sponsorship from the Chicago Mabuhay Centennial Lions Club.
“Register for the tournament” (https://bit.ly/RCchess)
October 28: Unheard Voices of Care Community Reading
From 3:30 to 5 PM at UIC’s Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, 723 W. Maxwell St., hear writings about immigrant experiences in the United States from the 1940s through today.
“More information” (https://wlrc.uic.edu/events/unheard-voices-of-care-reception/)
October 31: HEARTH Benefit Gala: Honoring Our Roots
Beginning at 6 PM at Rivers Casino Event Hall in Des Plaines, this evening of music, arts, theater, and storytelling raises a seed fund for KOI Institute’s flagship Chicago initiatives.
KOI stands for Kapwa/Kindred Outreach and Information. Its work supports community organizers through popular education, training, research, and cultural organizing grounded in racial justice. The gathering reflects kapwa, our shared identity and responsibility to one another.
Admission is $125 for dinner, show, and dance party, or $45 for the show and dance party only. Guests must be 21 or older.
Make the Rizal Center Part of Your October
Beyond the tournament, the Friday Evening Chess Club offers free tutorials and opportunities to learn, practice, and connect.
“Find Friday Chess Club information” (https://bit.ly/Rizal-chess-club)
While visiting, take a photo by the newly painted mural on the side of the building. Celebrating Filipino American experiences in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, the mural brings our stories into public view and invites us to consider our place in the history of this region.
An Invitation to Keep Exploring
This calendar is a starting point. I encourage you to explore other local, regional, and national Filipino American History Month celebrations. Visit an exhibition, attend a performance, preserve a family memory, invite someone new, or support an organization doing this work.
Stay connected with “CIRCA Pintig” (https://www.circapintig.org/), the “Rizal Center” (https://rizalcenter.org/), “FAHSC” (https://www.fahschicagomuseum.com/), “FANHS Greater Chicago” (https://fanhschicago.wordpress.com/), the “Filipino School of Chicago” (https://filipinoschoolchicago.org/), and “FANHS National” (https://www.fanhs-national.org/).
Our community grows stronger when we listen across differences and make room for stories we have not yet heard. Thank you for helping keep those connections alive.
Ginger Leopoldo is Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig; President of FANHS Greater Chicago Chapter; Midwest Trustee on the FANHS Board of Trustees; Board Member and Secretary of FAHSC; a Rizal Center volunteer; and a board member of the Filipino School of Chicago.
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