Photo courtesy Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library
This year marks the centennial of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal and the rebirth of San Francisco after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. As core partner, we’re excited to announce our involvement with a brand new exhibit called “Underground Chinatown: Racism at the Fair– The 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition.” Premiering April 2nd at our museum.
This exhibit is inspired by the REAL attraction called “Underground Chinatown” in what’s known as the Joy Zone at the 1915 PPIE. Using stereotypes and false portrayals of San Francisco Chinatown, it fascinated visitors much to the dismay of the Chinese American community of the time. With this presentation, CHSA explores persistent racial myths and stereotypes and their complex impact on our community.