Chronology
A timeline for events in Palau and in Airai during the 20th century.

World War II
The Second World War was a traumatic event for Palau. Here we are told of the tragedies of the war years, and the difficulties of life for Palauans during that terrible time.

Americans
With the end of the war, Palau became part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), managed by the United States. Education was a major impact of the American administration.

Bridges
The connection between Airai and Koror states changed dramatically with the opening of the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. An even bigger change affected all of Palau with the opening of the airport in Airai State, forming Palau's bridge to the world.

New Village
With the shifting of jobs and schools, people from the eastern hamlets of Oikull and Ngchesechang began moving to land uphill from Airai traditional village. This now forms the "modern" village of Airai.

Governance
The most significant over-arching change in Palau in recent decades has been the change of status to an independent country. But this process was not without its difficulties.

Special Essays: Methods for Oral History
Two essays provide guidance on doing oral history projects with indigenous elders.