Chicago’s Legacy Hula Virtual Tour

Celebrate 130 years of Hula in Chicago. Learn the untold history of four Kumu Hula (master teachers of Hawaiian Hula) who perpetuated, preserved, and protected Hula as a way of life. Listen to the voices of Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) as they tell their own history and learn how their community continues to thrive in Chicago and beyond.

Chicago- and Hawai`i-born Native Hawaiians continue these practices together and act as co-curators for this limited-time exhibition.

Supplemental Resources for Students and Teachers

    Interview #1: Verna Apio Takashima on Kapa Making

    Master Kapa Maker Verna Apio Takashima discusses her work as an artist and what inspired her to become a kapa maker.

    VideoGrades 6-12

    Interview #2: Verna Apio Takashima on the Significance of Hawaiian Kapa

    Master Kapa Maker Verna Apio Takashima explains the difference between kapa and the barkcloth of other Pacific Islands.Then, she shares why it is important to teach kapa making to future generations.

    VideoGrades 6-12

    Interview #3: Verna Apio Takashima on What Students Should Know About Kapa and Hawaiʻi

    Master Kapa Maker Verna Apio Takashima reflects on why learning traditional kapa methods is important and how Hawaiʻi is a special place because of aloha.

    VideoGrades 6-12

    Kapa Making Part 1: Beating the Kapa

    Master Kapa Maker Verna Apio Takashima demonstrates the first steps of making kapa and explains how she learned the artform from her kumu (teacher).

    VideoGrades 6-12

    Kapa Making Part 2: Watermarking the Kapa

    Master Kapa Maker Verna Apio Takashima talks about those teaching and learning kapa making today and shows how an iʻe kuku (beater) gives kapa its distinct watermarked design.

    VideoGrades 6-12

    Chicago's Legacy Hula & TEAACH Act

    Chicago's Legacy Hula Professional Development Workshop

    Video

AANHPI Student Workshops

Have a Field Museum educator come to your school to deliver an interactive student workshop on Asian and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community history

    Experiential Workshop Program Guide

    Workshop overview with descriptions and standards.

    Lesson PlanGrades PK-12