With a history of occupation by Spain, Germany, Japan and finally the United States, along with its close proximity to Asia, it's no wonder that the Northern Mariana Islands have developed a truly international character. The indigenous people are Chamorro and Carolinian islanders who speak their native languages as well as English. In addition, there are Americans, Filipinos, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai and people of other nationalities living and working together in the Northern Marianas.

Events which reflect a multicultural society are held year round, celebrating a fall range of Asian and American holidays. There are numerous organizations dedicated to the preservation of culture and language in the Northern Marianas. The need to establish a museum to help preserve local culture and history became a reality on November 4, 1998, as the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Culture officially opened to the public on Saipan.