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Your participation is essential in keeping CHSA vibrant as membership dollars are used for developing and presenting our programs and preserving our collection. Your support will allow us to promote the history, culture and legacy of Chinese in America for generations to come!
About Chinese Historical Society of America
The Chinese Historical Society of America collects, preserves, and illuminates the history of Chinese in America by serving as a center for research, scholarship and learning to inspire a greater appreciation for, and knowledge of, their collective experience
Buy tickets to our latest exhibits
Get to know about our tours
Donate to CHSA
As a non-profit organization, Chinese Historical Society of America relies on the generosity of the community, individual members, corporations, foundations and public agencies to support our mission of being a steward of the Chinese American narrative. Your support is crucial in helping CHSA promote the history, culture, and legacy of Chinese in America.
Donate to CHSA
As a non-profit organization, Chinese Historical Society of America relies on the generosity of the community, individual members, corporations, foundations and public agencies to support our mission of being a steward of the Chinese American narrative. Your support is crucial in helping CHSA promote the history, culture, and legacy of Chinese in America.
Shop online
Our online shop features original publications and books on Chinese American and Asian American history, art, and culture, as well as works and pieces by local artists, and other merchandise that promote the legacy of the Chinese in America. Additionally, it is home to our We Are Bruce Lee merchandise.
Bruce Lee T-Shirt Merchandise
Jack Lee Prints
Fighting on All Fronts Book
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Motivation Monday
"What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first step to something better.โ โ BRUCE LEE.
๐ธ: Bruce during costume fitting as the blind swordsman, wielding axe, as part of Run Run Shaw and Golden Harvest test photos for Dragon of Jade; c. 1971-72.
From the @BRUCELEEFOUNDATION archives.
This original photograph is part of the memorabilia collection donated to the WE ARE BRUCE LEE: UNDER THE SKY, ONE FAMILY exhibition currently on view at CHSA Museum.
For ticket information, visit CHSA.org.
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#WeAreBruceLee #UnderTheSkyOneFamily #BruceLee #BruceLeeQuotes #BruceLeeImages #BruceLeePictures #BruceLeePhotographs #BruceLeePhilosophy #BruceLeeFoundation #CHSAMuseum #SanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF #BruceLeeMotivationMonday #BruceLeeAxe #BlindSwordsman #DragonOfJade
CHSAโs 2023 Wrapped is a summary of the most amazing, most awe-inspiring, most authentic moments of this year. It is a glimpse back at all the events, activities, projects and programs that would not be possible without the support of our friends and family, our partners and collaborators, and our community.
We thank everyone for the opportunity to celebrate 60 years of CHSA's leadership in preserving and presenting the Chinese American experience and continuing our mission to educate, engage, and entertain audiences about our histories.
We are truly grateful. Let's do it again next year!
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#2023wrapped #2023summary #CHSAMuseum #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerica #ChineseAmericans #SanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF
Gift Shop Spotlight: Jake Lee
To kick off the holiday shopping season, we're highlighting Chinese American artist Jake Lee.
In 1959, Johnny Kan, owner of the landmark Kanโs Restaurant in San Franciscoโs Chinatown, commissioned a series of 12 paintings by Jake Lee. Each painting showcases specific aspects and milestones in early Chinese American history. These paintings were displayed for many years in the private Gum Shan (โgold mountainโ) dining room of Kanโs Restaurant.
CHSA is proud to have rediscovered 8 watercolor paintings of this set as part of its historical archival collections.
You can purchase a replica poster, postcard or mug featuring scenes from this famous series in our CHSA gift shop at 965 Clay Street.
For more information, visit CHSA.org.
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#JakeLeeArtist #ChineseAmericanArtists #ChineseAmericanPainters #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerica #CHSAMuseum #CHSAGiftShop #ChinatownSanFrancisco #SFChinatown #PigRoasting
This #GivingTuesday, support CHSAโs education, engagement, and enlightenment.
CHSA is proud to cultivate genuine and authentic storytelling surrounding the generations of contributions and experiences of the Chinese in America. Producing everything from book talks and historical discussions to partnership events and community festivals to state-of-the-art walking tours and archival preservation, CHSA will continue to lead the way in preserving and presenting meaningful content surrounding the Chinese American narrative.
Your donations and generosity will ensure that many more generations will learn about, interact with, and be inspired by our community.
For more ways to support CHSA this Giving Tuesday, visit link in bio or CHSA.org.
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#GivingTuesday #CHSAMuseum #ChineseHistoricalSocietyOfAmerica #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerican #ChineseInAmerica #ChineseAmericanNonProfit #SanFranciscoChinatown
Happy 83rd Birthday, Bruce Lee
"The measure of the moral worth of a man is his happiness. The better the man, the more happiness. Happiness is the synonym of well-being.โ โ BRUCE LEE.
๐ธ: Bruce on his birthday, with Linda in front of a birthday cake with flying man decoration; at a restaurant, during break from filming FISTS OF FURY.
From the @BRUCELEEFOUNDATION archives.
This original photograph is part of the memorabilia collection donated to the WE ARE BRUCE LEE: UNDER THE SKY, ONE FAMILY exhibition currently on view at @CHSAMuseum.
For ticket information, visit CHSA.org.
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#WeAreBruceLee #UnderTheSkyOneFamily #BruceLee #BruceLeeQuotes #BruceLeeImages #BruceLeePictures #BruceLeePhotographs #BruceLeePhilosophy #BruceLeeFoundation #CHSAMuseum #SanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF #BruceLeeMotivationMonday #BruceLeeBirthday #BruceLeeCake #BruceLee83
This Veterans Day, we salute the Chinese American G.I. Project, whose mission is to preserve and share the stories through multimedia and national exhibitions highlighting the untold experiences of our Chinese American men and women who served since the American Civil War. Its ongoing national work ensures that future generations have access to the little-known legacy of Chinese Americans in the military as a part of American history.
These images are excerpt tribute pages of World War II Chinese American Veterans from the Chinese American G.I. Project:
1. George Wayne Chong
2. Lend Lee
3. Maggie Gee
CHSA is a proud fiduciary partner of the Chinese American G.I. Project.
To learn more about these veterans and more, visit CHSA.org.
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#ChineseAmericanVeterans #VeteransDay #ChineseAmericanGIProject #AAPIVeterans #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmericans
๐ฃ ANNOUNCEMENT!
CHSA is commemorating the 83rd birthday of San Francisco's native son with a special BRUCE LEE DAY celebration on Wednesday, November 29, 11a-4p.
Enjoy FREE ADMISSION all day at the museum. This includes access to the landmark WE ARE BRUCE LEE exhibit, the Bruce Lee Underground art exhibit and the magnificent multimedia Be The Bridge mural. We will also have Bruce Lee contests, giveaways and more to honor this Chinese American icon.
Stay tuned for more information or visit CHSA.org.
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#BruceLeeDay #BruceLee #WeAreBruceLee #BruceLeeBirthday #BruceLee83 #BruceLeeSanFrancisco #SanFranciscoHistory #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerican #CHSAMuseum #SanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF
CHSA's traveling exhibit makes its next stop in North Beach at the San Francisco Public Library, beginning today.
This exhibition elevates oral histories from Chinese Americans whose families were early permanent residents in the Richmond District. The first families moved to the area before World War II. More families established residency in the late 1940s to โ50s, up to about 5% in some neighborhoods. After the 1968 Fair Housing Act, the Chinese population increased exponentially, moving the statistic to 50% in some census tracts by 2010.
Early families who moved into the spacious neighborhood were middle-class merchants, professionals, and returning veterans, who overcame long-standing social, legal and financial barriers to pursue better living conditions for their families in mainstream America.
CHSA recorded stories of backbone, ability, resourcefulness, vibrancy, success, perception and change, and how challenges were navigated.
Stop by the North Beach branch library to check it out.
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#ChineseInTheRichmond #ChineseInSanFrancisco #ChineseAmerica #ChineseAmericanHistory #SanFranciscoHistory #RichmondDistrictSF #SanFranciscoRichmondDistrict #CHSAMuseum #NorthBeachLibrary #NorthBeachSF
ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY
October 27, 1940
Maxine Hong Kingston is born.
Kingston is a Chinese American award-winning author, most notably recognized for her trailblazing book THE WOMAN WARRIOR: MEMOIRS OF A GIRLHOOD AMONG GHOSTS.
Born in Stockton, California, to Chinese immigrants. She developed an interest in writing at an early age after her prize-winning essay submitted to Girl Scout Magazine titled "I Am an American."
After graduating with an English degree from UC Berkeley, she became a teacher and wrote often in her down time. Her debut book THE WOMAN WARRIOR was published in 1976. It offers a unique conglomeration of novel, autobiography, essays and poems to elevate women's stories that explore her own cultural history as a first-generation Chinese American. This revolutionary autobiography blended with Chinese folktales won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was named one of TIME Magazine's top nonfiction books of the 1970s.
She has received several awards and honors for her work, including the National Medal of Arts [2013], the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government.
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#MaxineHongKingston #WomanWarrior #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerica #ChineseAmericanAuthors #HistoryOfChineseAmerica #AAPIBirthdays #OnThisDayInHistory
NEXT STOP: NORTH BEACH!
The traveling tour of the CHSA exhibit CHINESE IN THE RICHMOND makes its next stop at the San Francisco Public Library, North Beach branch. The exhibit will be on view beginning Wednesday, NOVEMBER 1, and will temporarily reside throughout the rest of the month.
This collaboration with the Western Neighborhoods Project illuminates the lives of Chinese Americans in San Franciscoโs Richmond District from the communityโs point of view. It specifically explores the expansion of Chinese families into the western neighborhoods throughout the 20th century.
Visit CHSA to learn more about the exhibit.
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#SFPLNorthBeach #NorthBeachSF #SanFranciscoNorthBeach #ChineseInTheRichmond #CHSAMuseum #SanFranciscoChineseAmericans #ChineseAmericanHistory
Posted @withregram โข @dj_agana Celebrating Bruce Leeโs legacy on 50th anniversary of his transition home to the ancestors. Fans from around the world are gathering to the kung fu legend on the 50th anniversary of his untimely death.
โDo not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.โ -Bruce Lee
Much respect to the mentor in crime @vogue_tdk collaboration with @icuart1 with special appearances by Shannon Lee @therealshannonlee and the stars of Warrior @thatoliviacheng and @richtingworld
Make sure your binge watch @warriornotofficial on @hbomaxes honoring the @brucelee legacy.
Make sure you check out the @wearebrucelee exhibit at the @chsamuseum in Chinatown, San Francisco.
With the behind the scenes footage with @eriktopolski and @luciskronos
#voguetdk #vogue_tdk#vogue #WeAreBruceLee #UnderTheSkyOneFamily #BruceLee #BruceLeeFoundation #CHSA #ChineseHistoricalSocietyMuseum #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoChinatown #hbomax #bayarealegend #todossomosbrucelee #somosbrucelee #culturalunity #shannonlee #warrior #icuart #Agana #djagana #aganaart
CHSA is proud to share and enjoy the cultural heritage of the autumnal season at Filoli Gardenโs Harvest Days celebration.
Itโs a privilege participate in this yearโs event by showcasing our display about the history and importance of the Chinese harvesting holiday, the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Come check it out each weekend until the end of October. For more information, visit @_filoli
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#HarvestDays #Filoli #AutumnMoonFestival #MidAutumnFestival
Great golfing. Giveaways. Goodwill.
Experience the good vibes at CHSA's first-ever charity golf tournament.
Enjoy a fun-filled day fostering togetherness and building bridges to unite communities at the Richmond Country Club, on Monday, November 13.
Golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in a flurry of activitiesโputting contests, course challenges and more.
Join us for an all-day affair that includes raffle prizes, complimentary lunch, charity awards andโimportantlyโa meaningful opportunity to support CHSA's community leadership in preserving and presenting the Chinese American experience.
For registration and event information, visit link in bio or go to Bit.ly/CHSAGolf
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#CharityGolfTournament #CharityGolf #GolfingCharity #GolfingForCharity #CHSAGolf #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerica #CHSAMuseum
Gift Shop Spotlight:
SHOE PALACE x BRUCE LEE's "Room of Mirrors" Men's Shirt
This #FlashbackFriday we reminisce about the recent Shoe Palace x Bruce Lee Apparel Launch party that took place within the halls of the @wearebrucelee exhibit at CHSA Museum. This celebration of creativity, culture, community and clothing was an amazing tribute to Bruce Lee's long-lasting legacy as an inspirational martial artist but also as an icon in the world of fashion and style.
As part of this wonderful opportunity, CHSA is humbled to have a selection of exclusive Shoe Palace x Bruce Lee apparel items in our gift shop, including this ROOM OF MIRRORS men's buttoned shirt, which pays homage to the legendary film ENTER THE DRAGON.
Find this and more limited-edition items at 965 Clay Street or visit us online at CHSA.org.
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#BruceLee #ShoePalace #ShoePalaceBruceLee #WeAreBruceLee #BruceLeeApparel #BruceLeeClothing #CHSAMuseum #CHSAGiftShop #ChinatownSF #SanFranciscoChinatown #EnterTheDragon
CHSA is excited to host its first-ever charity golf tournament, a fun-filled day that will foster unity and bridge communities in support of our stewardship in preserving and sharing Chinese American history.
This all-day event will be held Monday, November 13, at the Richmond Country Club.
How you can support:
โค Register to play: Whether individually or as a foursome of friends or colleagues, you are guaranteed an uplifting day of golfing and community. All participating players will receive complimentary access to CHSA's landmark @wearebrucelee exhibition.
โค Sponsor the tournament: We have a range of sponsorship levels, with benefits that includes# in-tournament perks plus amplification for your organization and its brand.
All registration and sponsorship proceeds will significantly contribute to our ongoing mission to educate, engage, and enlighten our community and beyond.
To register, visit link in bio.
For more info, visit CHSA.org.
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#GolfTournament #CharityGolf #CharityGolfTournament #RichmondCountryClubCA #CHSAMuseum #ChineseAmericanHistory
Celebrate the fall harvest at Filoli Historic House & Garden during ORCHARD DAYS, every weekend until October 29.
Located in Woodside, California, the Filoli estate serves as a vibrant landscape of the Bay Area and a cultural center dedicated to connecting its rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature and shared stories for all people. Through its educational programming it aims to honor nature, value unique experiences and appreciate beauty in everyday life.
ORCHARD DAYS is an annual celebration of the harvest season featuring delightful foods, local musicians, and stunning fall colors and educational exhibits.
CHSA is proud to be a part of this year's ORCHARD DAYS with our display that spotlights the history and bounty of the Autumn Moon Festival holiday.
Check out CHSA and the other cultural harvest exhibits and seasonal festivities as part of Filoli's ORCHARD DAYS.
For more information, visit @_filoli
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#FiloliHouseandGarden #Filoli #OrchardDays #AutumnMoonFestival #MidAutumnFestival #AutumnHarvest #MooncakeFestival #CHSAMuseum #SanFranciscoBayArea #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerica
CHSA is proud to support the Sunset Chinese Cultural Districtโs annual Autumn Moon Festival celebration happening Saturday, October 7, from noon to 5 p.m.
Join us on Irving Street, between 21st and 22nd Avenue, for a block of performances, activities, and community resources!
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the family-fun festivities will continue with a lantern event on the Great Highway.
Stop by our CHSA booth and say ๐ hello. We look forward to seeing you there!
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#AutumnMoonFestival #MidAutumnMoonFestival #SunsetSF #SunsetDistrictSF #SanFranciscoSunsetDistrict
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Thank you to all those who stopped by the CHSA booth at the 2023 Chinatown Autumn M๐ฅฎ๐ฅฎn Festival! Grateful to share the legacy, meet so many people and continue being a part of our communityโs amazing celebration.
Look for us again tomorrow!
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#AutumnMoonFestival #MidAutumnFestival #MooncakeFestival #sanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF #CHSAMuseum
Happy Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival!
We're spotlighting BO BING ๅ้ค
, the traditional Hokkien dice game associated with and played during the Autumn Moon Festival. Originating in the 1600s, BO BING players roll 6 dice in a bowl to win mooncakes! During the Qing dynasty, mooncakes ๐ฅฎ were auspicious tokens of good fortune for scholars of the imperial exams.
This weekend, CHSA is proud to continue 60 years of legacy as a San Francisco Chinatown community partner by sharing and showcasing this cultural Autumn Moon Festival game.
Stop by our booth to learn more about BO BING and celebrate the harvest season with us!
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#AutumnMoonFestival #MidAutumnFestival #MooncakeFestival #AutumnMoonFestival2023 #SanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF #BoBing #BoBingDiceGame #Mooncakes #๐ฒ๐ฅฎ
9/11/2001 Remembrance:
BETTY ANN ONG
On this, the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001, we come together to remember and reflect on the tragedy that still affects so much of our nation. Moreover, we continue to mourn and pay our respects to the sacrifice given by our loved ones on that day.
CHSA honors San Francisco native Betty Ann Ong, the Chinese American flight attendant whose efforts aboard Flight 11 notifying traffic controllers of the terrorist danger helped save an untold number of lives.
Her heroism and legacy is forever honored in her hometown:
๐ The Chinatown community center she frequented growing up was renamed the Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center.
๐ She is memorialized in the mural GOLD MOUNTAIN located on Romolo Street in North Beach, dedicated to Chinese contributions to American history.
๐ The Betty Ann Ong Foundation was founded to honor her interest in empowering youth and senior citizens by enabling positive physical and emotional lifestyle changes for a healthier, brighter future.
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#September11 #September11Anniversary #BettyOng #BettyAnnOng #SanFranciscans #SanFranciscoChinatown #ChinatownSF #ChineseAmerican #ChineseAmericanHistory #ChineseAmerica #Flight11
