Rediscovering Saint Malo: The First Permanent Asian American Settlement

Explore the fascinating history of St. Malo, Louisiana, the first permanent Asian settlement in the United States, established as early as 1763. Contributing to the thriving fishing industry, Filipino sailors settled the swamps of St. Malo, but very few sources from the perspective of Filipinos exist. The workshop will demonstrate the ways to utilize poetry as a medium to learn about St. Malo while also analyzing and evaluating outsider accounts of Saint Malo to unearth the truth of the settlement. Educators will leave the workshop with new historical insights and classroom-ready activities to teach about Asian Americans’ enduring role in shaping the United States. Perfect for lessons on immigration, colonization, and early American life, this session sheds light on an important yet often overlooked chapter of our shared past.

Facilitators: Rachael Richard & Dr. Khyati Joshi