People and Places - Guampedia

Profiles, villages, and island life.

Profiles

In this section, you can explore profiles of historical figures who have shaped life in Guam, and delve into biographies of local artists, educators, politicians, religious leaders, and business pioneers. Guampedia primarily profiles notable figures in our island community who have already passed away. Through these profiles, we aim to celebrate their legacies and educate future generations about the historical figures who have made lasting contributions to our island. As you explore Guampedia, you will find some exceptions to this guideline — for example, our Artist profiles include features on contemporary, living artists in collaboration with a grant from the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA). You’ll also find profiles on key contemporary figures, including Guam’s governors.

Storytelling and oral histories have always been a way for Chamorro people to pass down important cultural knowledge and memories of strength, tragedies, and resilience. In the WWII Survivor Stories entry, you can hear directly from the voices of Guam’s war survivors.

Historic Figures by Era, Subject, and Project

Masters of Tradition

Masters of Tradition celebrates cultural practitioners who use their artistry and craftsmanship to perpetuate Guam’s history and unique cultural traditions.

Contemporary Artists

Many artists draw from Guam’s rich traditions to reinterpret and celebrate contemporary Chamorro identity and life in Guam. In this section, you can browse through contemporary artist profiles and get inspired by their unique visions and methods of incorporating Chamorro language, cultural iconography, island landscapes, and cross-cultural exchanges that have come to characterize contemporary island life.

Musicians

Places

Historic and Significant Sites in Guam and the Marianas

In this section, you can learn more about historic and culturally significant sites in Guam and the Marianas, ranging from ancient Chamorro villages to World War II sites and heritage walking trails. You can also access articles that provide more context about the struggles around land usage and rights, including the fight to keep Tumon Bay publicly accessible, and a history of efforts to establish parks and public spaces in Guam.

Architecture

Villages and Island Life

Guam is home to 19 beautiful villages, each with their own unique personalities, histories, and landmarks. From the enchanting seaside villages of Humåtak and Malesso’ to the sprawling bay and rolling green hills of Talo’fo’fo and the bustling streets of Hagåtña, the diversity of Guam’s villages reflect the island’s natural beauty and the impact of distinct historical eras that left behind lasting legacies. In this section, we invite you to dive into these village histories, as well as ancient Chamorro villages and sites that can teach us about how Guam’s first people lived.

Island Life

Guampedia’s Island Life section charts local organizations, associations, and societies that have shaped civic life and community relations.