Projects_Events

Frank Murphy Museum Pilot Project - Spring/Summer 2002
Most recently, there have been initiatives towards establishing a better understanding of Frank Murphy and his role in U.S. History, as well as in Philippine-American history. Govenor Murphy’s former home in Harbor Beach, MI, was purchased by the City of Harbor Beach and converted into a small museum; the museum houses many artifacts and writings from Frank Murphy’s life of public service. Filipino-American community members have tried for the last several years to obtain grants, which could be used to assist the Friends of Frank Murphy Museum for a better understanding of the colonial American influence in the Philippines. These previous attempts have failed. However, Annalissa Herbert, a graduate student from the University of Michigan, made a proposal to the Ginsberg Center for Community Service, which accounted for the use of grant money to head a volunteer project that would assist in creating a catalog of Murphy artifacts. Herbert’s proposal was approved, and she is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with identification, research, catalog, and creation of teaching guides for the museum. Volunteers who are interested in researching the life of Frank Murphy, his impact on Philippine and American history, or gaining experience in museum studies are highly encouraged to contact Herbert (babaylan@umich.edu).
Who is Frank Murphy one might ask? Few native Michigan residents, even in his hometown of Harbor Beach, MI, know the history of this distinguished University of Michigan alumnus.
Frank Murphy, in his long career of public service served as a criminal court judge, Mayor of Detroit, Governor General of the Philippines, Governor of Michigan, and Justice of the United States Supreme Court. While these accomplishments add to the intrigue of Gov. Murphy’s life, the issues he dealt with during his public career (1930-1950) are of significance to the Filipino community.
As Mayor of Detroit, Gov. Murphy oversaw a major city that was struck hard by the Great Depression and, during that time, he administered one of the more successful pre-runners of what were later called New Deal programs. Gov. Murphy was a political star who rose quickly within the Democratic party. By the 1930’s he had caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who nominated him to serve as the governor-general of the Philippine Islands in 1933. In this position Gov. Murphy negotiated the complicated terrain of American colonial politics. He continued his service in the Philippines and oversaw the transformation from an American colonial property (1898-1934) into a commonwealth, though full independence would not come to the Philippines until July 4, 1946. As a devout Catholic, Gov. Murphy appealed to the mostly Catholic Philippine legislature. His seemingly tender-hearted manner concealed his fierce resolve, ambition, and astute political instinct, which served him well in his long career in liberal politics.
As Governor of Michigan, in the late 1930’s Murphy mediated the infamous General Motors sit-down strike and played a crucial role in helping organized labor gain respect in the American political system thus solidifying the entry of the Big Three in American politics. Yet, with all these accomplishments, Frank Murphy still remains a relatively forgotten historical figure on the national level.

Community Empowerment

Filipina/o Diaspora Speaker Series