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To help preserve and advocate for AAPI history, the National Pacific Islander American Historic Preservation Forum will be held in Seattle from September 12 – 15.
The Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historical Preservation will host the forum. APIAiHP is an organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of AAPI histories and experiences in the United States. Founded in 2007, the founders would later develop an API Caucus at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual conference the same year. As described on their website, APIAiHP utilizes their board and a national network of historians, activists, and more to ensure these stories are preserved for generations to come.
APIAiHP chose Seattle as the location for this year’s upcoming conference for multiple reasons. Seattle has a large AAPI community, with people of AAPI descent representing 16% of Seattle’s population. The city is also home to the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).
APIAiHP is set to partner with multiple organizations for the upcoming forum, such as the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Other organizations include Friends of Little Saigon, Historic Seattle, King County’s 4Culture, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association, and other local historic preservation organizations and groups.
APIAiHP’s Executive Director, Huy Pham, said during a news conference that Seattle was always a desired location. Pham mentioned that Seattle’s Chinatown International District appears on The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2023 list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places.
“We aim to both learn from and empower attendees whether they join us locally or arrive (from) across the country and territories”, said Pham.
APIAiHP’s previous forum was held in Honolulu in 2020, with the inaugural forum being held in San Francisco.
APIAiHP is also calling for sponsors and session proposals until April 28th. These include panels, workshops, demonstrations, discussions, tours, and meetings. Those interested in supporting the forum can contact [email protected], and if you have general questions before submitting a proposal, contact [email protected].
Early bird registration is set to be available during May and June, and general registration will be through June and August. There will be limited scholarships available for students and young professionals as well.
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