Women have played a vital role in the course of human civilization, but much of their accomplishments and contributions have been excluded from history. Throughout California’s history, Chinese American women have contributed to the economy of our state. The Chinese Historical Society of America’s new exhibition Towards Equality: California’s Chinese American Women highlights their accomplishments in education, politics, finance, business, and their pivotal role as matriarchs. The exhibit is on view at CHSA from December 1, 2018 – June 2, 2019 Extended through Fall 2019! Towards Equality: California’s Chinese American Women will inform San Francisco Bay Area residents, with an … [read more →]
Chinese in the Sunset
The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) proudly launches Chinese in the Sunset, a project about the lives of Chinese Americans in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset District. Chinese in the Sunset illuminates the history of racial restrictions preventing Chinese and other people of color from living in the Sunset, how the 1960’s civil rights movement and subsequent legislation removed the restrictions, how social attitudes changed, and how different perspectives within the community has led the Outer Sunset to become a vibrant community today. We further hope the public will draw parallels with today’s national discussions of immigrant communities. Chinese in … [read more →]
Called to Rise: Chinese Americans in CBI
An exhibit exploring Chinese American participation in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater of World War II When the United States entered World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, China had already been at war with Japan for ten years. Chinese Americans had supported China’s lone fight, raising money for her defense and protesting the export of scrap iron and other material from the U.S. to Japan. At last America would recognize the importance of the Chinese role in the war in keeping large segments of Japanese armed forces occupied in China. Chinese … [read more →]
Exhibit by CHSA & Stanford: The Chinese and the Iron Road
The Chinese and the Iron Road: Building the Transcontinental is a new portable exhibit providing a historical overview of the Chinese railroad workers who were instrumental in building the United States’ first Transcontinental Railroad. Utilizing graphic panels, the exhibit features historical and contemporary photos, illustrations, stories of descendants of the workers, and bilingual Chinese/English text written by Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University (CRRW). Produced by the CHSA Museum and the Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University (CRRW) Golden Spike 150th Anniversary May 10, 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the completion … [read more →]
Earthquake: The Chinatown Story
Chinatown was a bustling neighborhood with many businesses, temples, and associations. When the 1906 Earthquake hit the city, it destroyed large parts of the city. Fires caused by the troops completely decimated Chinatown, leaving the neighborhood in ashes and its citizens fleeing to neighbor districts and cities. CHSA’s traveling exhibit “Earthquake: The Chinatown Story” details firsthand accounts from the people who lived there, how the city had been planning to remove Chinatown, and how the Chinese fought back. The following are testimonials from the people who were there when the earthquake happened.
Glamour & Grace: Miss Chinatown USA
For half a century, San Francisco has been captivated by the grace, glamour, and exuberance of the Miss Chinatown pageant. In the pageant tradition, contestants, family, and friends serve as ambassadors of Chinese American heritage and culture, drawing attention to San Francisco Chinatown and other home communities as they spread good will throughout the Bay Area and beyond. This special exhibit offers an affectionate and fun-filled look at the glitz, substance, and significance of this favorite community tradition. View the online exhibit here: www.civilrightssuite.org/MissChinatown Photos:
Detained at Liberty’s Door
Detained at Liberty’s Door traces the formation of the Angel Island Immigration Station and highlights the inspiring story of Mrs. Lee Yoke Suey, the wife of a native-born citizen who was detained for more than 15 months on Angel Island. Only an association with one of California’s most powerful & iconic families secured her freedom. This traveling exhibit, developed by CHSA, has been displayed at the California History Center, De Anza College in 2011.
The Architecture of San Francisco’s Chinatown
The striking architecture of Chinatown is explored from its beginnings in the mid-19th century, through the rebuilding following the Great Earthquake & Fire of 1906, to its presence as one of the country’s most vibrant and enduring neighborhoods. Featuring an interactive walking tour map, digital images, and special objects, the exhibit is a thoughtful exploration into San Francisco’s Chinatown. Photo Gallery:
