Socializing with the Tafts

Presented by Martin Tinio, Jr.
July 4, Saturday
10 a.m. – 12 noon

William Howard Taft—with his wife, Hellen “Nellie” Herron, and their three children—arrived in Manila in 1900, as he was appointed by President William McKinley to chair the second Philippine Commission. A year later, Taft became the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines. Until his term ended in 1903, Taft introduced reforms by improving education, infrastructure, economic policy, as well as laid the foundation for the future self-government of the Philippines. Nellie Taft, on the other hand, focused on cultural projects and educational campaigns for nutrition and infant mortality. He changed the former outlook of disrespecting Filipinos; she respected Filipino culture. The Tafts were extremely popular, as they transformed the government into an institution that was democratic and human.

About Martin Tinio, Jr. 

Martin Tinio, Jr. has done extensive research on Philippine social history, genealogy, and architecture, including photo-documentation of old structures throughout the Philippines. He has written numerous articles and monographs, and has co-authored several books, including Philippine Ancestral Houses (1810 – 1930). He served as consultant of the Intramuros Administrator and was curator of the Malacañang Museum. While at Intramuros, he was responsible for the design and furnishing of Casa Manila.

This is the last of PHIMCOS’ series of talks related to the ongoing exhibit The First Philippine Republic & the United States: 1898 – 1907. Exhibit talk comes free with admission.

(P100 for adults, P50 for students, P25 for children and seniors)

Free for PHIMCOS members.

 

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