People and Places
Profiles, places, 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
- Business Pioneer Biographies
- Educator Biographies
- Governors of Guam
- Political Figures
- Religion Biographies
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.
Heritage Sites
- Apra Harbor
- Fouha Bay: Cradle of Creation
- Hasso’: Remembering Guam’s Ancient Heritage Sites/Heritage Sites
- Cetti
- Fena
- Fort San Jose
- Fort San Luis
- Fort Santa Agueda
- Fort Santiago
- Fort Santo Angel
- Fort Soledad
- Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail
- Haputo (Haputu)
- Lujan House
- Manenggon/Pulantat
- Pågat
- Pago (Pågu)
- Ritidian (Litekyan)
- San Dionisio Catholic Church, Humåtak
- SMS Cormoran II Memorial
- Spanish Forts of Guam Overview
- Sumai (Sumay)
- Talofofo
- Tarague (Talågi)
- The Fight to Keep Tumon Public
- US Naval Cemetery
- WWII Monuments and Sites Map
- History of Guam’s Parks and Public Spaces
- Taga
Architecture
- Changes in Construction Styles
- de Silleria
- Hollow Block Cement Homes
- Kaiser Pre-Fab Homes
- Latte Structures
- Mampostería
- Pole and Thatched Homes
- Quonset Huts
- Wood and Tin Houses
Villages
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.
- American Legion
- American Pacific Nursing Leaders Council
- American Red Cross, Guam Chapter
- Band Ensembles
- CHamoru Roots Genealogy Project
- Cushing Family
- Fino’ Håya Project
- Guam Animals In Need (GAIN)
- Guam Fiesta Calendar
- Guam Historical Club
- Guam Humanities Council
- Guam Legal Services Corporation
- Guam Liberation Day
- Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association
- Guam Nurses Association
- Guam Symphony Society
- Guam Teachers’ Association
- Guam Women’s Club
- Liberation Day Queen Contest
- Nasion Chamoru
- OPI-R: Organization of People for Indigenous Rights
- PARA-PADA
- Passion for Pugua
- Song of Hope, Song of Faith
- Voices of Our Elders Media Files
- We Are Guåhan
- Young Men’s League of Guam (YMLG)