This session is made possible by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. To learn more, visit our Partners page.

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (APIAHiP) proudly present an immersive walking tour that explores the history of Filipinos in the French Quarter of New Orleans and surrounding areas.

Prof. Randy Gonzales will lead the tour and read excerpts from his book of documentary poems entitled Settling St. Malo (UL Press, 2023); each tour attendee will receive an autographed copy of the book.

Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, Filipino sailors built vibrant communities in the homes, boarding houses, and streets of New Orleans; they and their descendants, now in their 9th generation, navigated complex questions of race, citizenship, belonging, and displacement.

In this 90-minute walk and talk, we’ll visit several important community landmarks, while learning about archival research and oral histories to discover how the field of historic preservation can move beyond architectural integrity and more towards community and cultural significance.

This Field Study requires walking several blocks between stops over a period of 2+ hours so please dress appropriately with comfortable shoes and rain gear as appropriate. Water will be provided if you forget your water bottle.

Your badge is your ticket and has your session/time/date printed on the back. Please confirm your date/time before checking in. Some field studies run multiple times, and your ticket is session specific. 

Field studies will depart from the main doors of the Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street. Check in at the field study table in the lobby at least 20 minutes before departure for bus assignments. It is imperative to be on time for field study departures. Buses will roll promptly at the time indicated on the schedule. 

If you miss a bus, there will be no refunds or transfers to other field studies. Unclaimed seats will be sold at departure time on a first come, first serve basis.

Please check the weather, dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. It is recommended that you bring your own water bottle. 

Pre-Registration is required to attend this session.

Forum Member Rate: $25.00

Non Forum Member Rate: $35.00