Chinese Historical & Cultural Project upcoming events

MFM Exhibit: "WWI: America in the Great War" (thru June 6) (January 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Step into the trenches of World War I and experience life at the front in Moffett Field Museum (MFM)’s most immersive exhibit yet.

Walk in the footsteps of a First World War soldier and discover how the Great War reshaped the modern world through unprecedented industrial warfare, global alliances, and rapid technological change. The United States entered the conflict in April 1917, joining Allied forces on the Western Front, and the war came to an end on November 11, 1918—forever altering technology, aviation, military strategy, and international relations.

This exhibit brings that history to life through a fully immersive walk-through trench, placing visitors in the environment faced by soldiers on the front lines. Surrounded by authentic artifacts, rare World War I vehicles, and a striking biplane, guests gain a deeper understanding of the realities of trench warfare and the innovation born from the conflict. This exhibit honors those who served and invites visitors of all ages to engage with the experiences and history of World War I.

MORE INFO & TICKETS

ATTENTION: To access Moffett Field, all visitors (18+) must present either:

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or
A valid passport

This is in accordance with federal law and is required to board domestic flights and to enter secure federal facilities and military installations.

CHCP Contest: Civil Rights & the Asian American Experience (thru July 31) (May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Reflections on Civil Rights & the Asian American Experience
at the United States' Semiquincentennial

In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate this historical moment, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) invites you to explore Asian American history, and connect it to the present. Showcase your creativity and enter the contest. Youth participants may win a cash prize of up to $500. See Who Can Participate for prize details. Winning projects will be featured on the CHCP website and displayed in public exhibitions.

What Should You Create?

Submit an original poem, artwork, or video that:

Connects a historical event of a civil rights issue involving Asian Americans, and
Explain why that history matters today.

Sample topics include, but are not limited to:

The Chinese Exclusion Act and immigration rights
World War II mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans
Vietnamese settlement
Birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment
School segregation and educational access
Labor rights
Asian American activism during the Civil Rights Movement
Local civil rights struggles in your own community

You are encouraged to use primary sources, family stories, or local history where possible. Participants are responsible for obtaining all rights, licenses, and permissions for any third party content in their submissions.

Who Can Participate?

All California residents, including CHCP members, are welcome to participate. Submissions will be judged in two (2) divisions:

Youth (grades 6-12 for the 2026-2027 school year, including incoming 6th grader)
Adults

The youth group will have cash awards for first ($500), second ($350), and third ($250) prize, and up to three (3) honorable mentions.

The adult group will have three (3) People’s Choice Awards. Voting will open after the submission deadline. Please check the CHCP website for updates on when voting begins.

Submission Formats

We welcome diverse forms of artistic expression (individually referred to as “work” and collectively, “works”) in the forms of:

Short video, film, or documentary, including multimedia storytelling (in .MOV or .MP4)
Original artwork, including photography, digital art, and graphic art (a high resolution scan of the original artwork in JPEG or TIFF)
Poetry (in PDF)

Poetry submissions are limited to 500 words. Video, films, and performances should be under 3 minutes.

All submissions must include a brief artistic statement (up to 150 words) describing:

The historical issue addressed
Why it is a civil rights issue
Why it matters in 2026
Other relevant information, including MLA style citations

Other Rules

Only one entry per participant.
Participants must submit works that are theirs and theirs only. Submissions of AI-generated content as original creative works are not permitted and will result in disqualification.
Your submission must not depict any recognizable person for whom you have not received permission to enter such person in the contest and must not infringe upon the publicity rights of any third party. You must receive the requisite permission/consent to use the video/photo from anyone who has any rights to the video/photo.
By entering, participants grant CHCP rights to showcase and distribute works across various media platforms.
If your entry is selected as a winner, you grant CHCP a royalty-free, non-exclusive right, in perpetuity, to:
- Use the poem, artwork, or video in its internal and external communications with attribution, including, but not limited to, website, advertising, presentations, and printed and digital materials.
- Use, in connection with the contest, the participant’s name and city of residence.
- Retain a digital copy of the submission.
Entries must not include trademarked or copyrighted material.
Winners will be announced in late September and recognized at an in-person Award Ceremony. Please check the CHCP website for further upcoming details. We welcome all participants to attend the event in person.

Judging

All categories of submissions will be judged by the same jurors based on relevant content and historical accuracy (40%), creativity (30%), and production/technical skills (30%).

For Questions: Please email Contest2026@chcp.org.

Submission Deadline: 6 pm PDT, July 31, 2026

SUBMIT ENTRY

Japanese Friendship Garden Grand Re-Opening Ceremony (May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

On behalf of Councilmember Bien Doan, you are cordially invited to attend the Grand Re-Opening Ceremony of the Japanese Friendship Garden on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

After nearly a decade of thoughtful planning and construction, the garden is finally nearing completion. This milestone marks the unveiling of the new Taiko Bashi bridge, along with the long-awaited return of water to the garden’s ponds for the first time since the 2017 floods. With the reintroduction of water and the addition of koi, the garden once again comes to life as a space of beauty, movement, and tranquility.

Taiko Bashi, the Japanese bridge inspired by the shape of a traditional taiko drum, symbolizes harmony, balance, and unity. Beyond its architectural beauty, it serves as a meaningful connection between cultures and communities, honoring San José’s sister city relationship with Okayama and celebrating the contributions of the Japanese American community.

This is a family-friendly event, and all are invited to enjoy this special occasion together.

If questions, email: Vikita.Sharda@sanjoseca.gov.

SCCLD Presentation: The Geary Act Project (May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

This Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) presentation by local historian Connie Young Yu addresses the "paper trail" of Chinese exclusion and the documentation of Chinese American history. Connie will speak about the historic implications of The Geary Act of 1892 that extended the Chinese Exclusion Act and required photo-identification for all Chinese in America. She will show slides from The Geary Act Project, an on-line gallery of certificates of residence, including those submitted by descendants of Chinese pioneers.

The purpose of the Project is to reveal a hidden chapter in American history about an unconstitutional act toward a race of people, with far reaching consequences: for truth and justice, for today, for all. This program is free and open to all.

About Connie Young Yu

Connie Young Yu is a writer and independent historian dedicated to documenting America’s immigration history for over a half century. She was involved in the preservation of the immigration detention building that led to the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay becoming a national monument. She was a founding member of Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) and is an Advisory Board Member and Historian for CHCP. Among her many works, she is the author of Chinatown, San Jose, USA, The Peoples Bicentennial Quilt Book and co-author of Hakone Estate and Gardens.

MORE INFO

CHSA Presentation: "Forgotten East Bay Tracks: Honoring Chinese Builders of the Final Leg of the Pacific Railroad" (May 08, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Join the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) on Friday May 8 at 7 pm for a presentation on "Forgotten East Bay Tracks: Honoring Chinese Builders of the Final Leg of the Pacific Railroad."

Join Victor K. Wong, researcher with the Chinese History Project, as he unveils the untold story of the Chinese who built the final leg of the Pacific Railroad from Sacramento to San Francisco Bay. Don't miss the deep dive into the most well-documented portion: Alameda Cañon (now known as Niles Canyon) in the East Bay. Come and see forgotten and newly found photos of the original tracks hand-carved through this narrow Cañon; they declare to all the Herculean handiwork of the unseen workers and bear witness to the strength and tenacity of the Chinese builders we honor.

The Chinese History Project is part of the Washington Township Museum of Local History which focuses on the history of Southern Alameda County, today's towns of Fremont, Union City, and Newark.

Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82839601970

SDCHM Lecture: "The footprints of Chinese American Women: a 250 years history" (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this edition of San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (SDCHM)'s The Chinese American Experience and Beyond (TCAE&B) virtual lecture series, explore the untold stories of Chinese American women in the Sacramento River Delta.

Throughout the 250-year history of the United States, Chinese Americans—as a minority group—have collectively faced discrimination and marginalization; yet, the prejudice and harm experienced by Chinese American women have been even more insidious and profound. The documentary "Voices: Chinese Women of the Delta" focuses on the Chinese women who pioneered the fertile Sacramento River Delta, chronicling their hidden sorrows, sacrifices, struggles, and resilience.

This lecture will feature the film's director, Min Zhou, alongside one of the storytellers, Carol Lee, as they share the behind-the-scenes stories of this documentary.

Pacific Grove Museum's Walk of Remembrance (thru May 10) (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, Quock Mui Foundation, Stanford University, City of Pacific Grove, and the Coalition for Asian Justice for the 2026 Walk of Remembrance to be held May 9 and 10.

The Walk of Remembrance celebrates Monterey's pioneering fishing community and the impact the residents and their descendants have had on California's Central Coast and beyond. There are many educational and inspiring events connected to the Walk and AAPI Heritage Month in May as well.

All Walk of Remembrance events are free and open to the public. Most events do not require advance registration, but do have limited capacity. Come early to make sure you have a spot. The Chinese/Whalers Cabin tour at Pt. Lobos on Sunday does require pre-registration due to extremely limited space.

FOR DETAILS

CAH Museum Open (during Scout-O-Rama) (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) is housed in the Ng Shing Gung building, which is part of History Park, located in Kelley Park, San Jose.

The Museum will be open from 12:00 to 3:45 pm on Saturday May 9 during the Scout-O-Rama event. The Scout-O-Rama event will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at History Park.

Scout-O-Rama is the best of local Scouting on display for the whole community in the heart of San Jose at History Park. This family-friendly day of discovery includes 100+ hands-on activities for all ages. Enjoy archery, shooting water rockets, tomahawk throwing, exploring firetrucks, racing pinewood derby cars, slacklining, crafts, life-size mazes, and more. Several food trucks are onsite to provide a variety of cuisines or enjoy your own picnic lunch.

ADMISSION: While the Museum is free, you must pay for admission to History Park for the Scout-O-Rama event. Information and tickets can be found here.

For more Museum information (including parking, directions, slideshow, and virtual tour): visit our Museum page.

NTUS Dance Show: We Are Taiwan (Early Bird Discount) (May 10, 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

On May 10, celebrate Mother’s Day and AAPI Heritage Month in a truly unforgettable way. The acclaimed National Taiwan University of Sport (NTUS) Dance Ensemble is coming all the way from Taiwan to the Bay Area for a special performance you won’t want to miss.

An extraordinary program inspired by Taiwan’s vibrant culture — bold choreography, cross-disciplinary artistry, and soulful music woven into one powerful stage experience.

FOR TICKETS

Early Bird Discount (20% Off) with code: TAIWAN2026

C100 Conversations: "Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes" featuring Stanford Professor Steven Chu (May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join the upcoming Committee of 100’s Conversations - “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes,” featuring Steven Chu, Nobel Prize Recipient in Physics, former Secretary of Energy, and Stanford University Professor.

Steven Chu will talk about his upbringing and personal history, his pioneering career in scientific research, and his leadership in government as the Secretary of Energy where he implemented important initiatives.

Peter Young, Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member, will be the moderator.

HSJ/CHCP South Bay AANHPI Festival (May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join History San Jose (HSJ), the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP), the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj), and Mosaic America for the South Bay AANHPI Festival on May 16th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at History Park.

Come for a fun-filled day of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) culture through performances, cuisine, crafts, and discussions, as we come together to honor AANHPI heritage. This event is designed for anyone eager to celebrate and learn about the vibrant cultures that make up the AANHPI community.

Our celebration of activities includes free Asian & Pacific Islander-centric games and crafts, community booths and vendors, food truck fare for purchase, ice cream and treats at O’Brien’s, a panel discussion sponsored by the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, open exhibits at the Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM), and an array of cultural performances sponsored by History San José, Mosaic America, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

ADMISSION: FREE

AREA PARKING: $10 per vehicle

FOR PARKING & DIRECTIONS: visit our Museum page.

Seminar: "China Roots: How to Trace Your Family History" (thru Sept 20) (May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject of China Roots: How to Trace Your Family History.

Location/Date/Time

CANCELLED FOR MOTHERS DAY: Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA, May 10, Sunday, 2 – 4 PM
Redwood Shores Branch Library, 399 Marine Parkway, Redwood City, CA, May 16, Saturday, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St, Mountain View, CA, May 23, Saturday, 2 – 4 PM
San Mateo Library, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA, June 13, Saturday, 1 - 3 PM
Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA, Sept 20, Sunday, 2 – 4 PM

What you will learn

Research tools and resources to discover your China roots
Oral histories of a Chinese American family’s struggles
How 150 generations of family genealogy was found
ChiAm checklist of online, live and local genealogy groups
Interviews from Angel Island Immigration National Archives
Experience a visit to a Chinese ancestral village

Abstract

This multimedia session offers key resources to help you find and explore your China roots and access Chinese American research tools. Showcased are the struggles and assimilation of a Chinese American immigrant family through oral histories of hardship, poverty, segregation, discrimination, and a city’s formal apology—80 years in the making—come to life. Unsure of where your ancestral village is in China and how to find your jiapu (ancestral lineage book)? Learn how 150 generations of family genealogy was documented in China. You’ll receive a checklist of research resources – where to ask live and virtual questions, and details on attending a paid three-day Chinese American Genealogy Conference or joining the free Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group. Can’t read Chinese? No problem using a Chinese-to-English translation tool. Discover how the National Archives in San Bruno can help uncover your Chinese ancestors’ interviews at the Angel Island Immigration Station, where 175,000 Chinese immigrants entered the U.S. between 1910 and 1940.

About The Speaker: Ron Chan

Ron is a seasoned lecturer on family history documentation best practices, captivating audiences worldwide at genealogy workshops and libraries across the San Francisco Bay Area. As a published genealogy author, he has a passion for storytelling and teaches innovative technologies to bring ancestral tales to life. Ron is the Founder and Executive Director of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group, dedicated to preserving ancestral stories. He is also a Co-Founder of the Chinese American GI Project, ensuring that veterans’ legacies are not lost, forgotten, or ignored. As a CHCP Advisory Board Member, Ron is a contributor to CHCP's Oral History Project. Ron shares with you how to capture and share family struggles of the past so future generations can embrace, remember, and learn from those who came before.

CAH Museum Open (May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) is housed in the Ng Shing Gung building, which is part of History Park, located in Kelley Park, San Jose.

Admission: Free

For more information (including parking, directions, slideshow, and virtual tour): visit our Museum page.

CAH Museum Open (Special Hours) (May 24, 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

The Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) is housed in the Ng Shing Gung building, which is part of History Park, located in Kelley Park, San Jose.

The Museum will be open special hours, 11:00 am to 12:45 pm on Sunday May 24, so that visitors can visit the Museum before attending CHCP's presentation at 1:00 pm: "Chinese Americans' Fight for Civil Liberties: A Legal History of Resistance and Civil Disobedience."

Admission: Free

For more information (including parking, directions, slideshow, and virtual tour): visit our Museum page.

CHCP Presentation: "Chinese Americans' Fight for Civil Liberties: A Legal History of Resistance and Civil Disobedience" (May 24, 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join CHCP for a presentation and panel discussion on Sunday May 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at History Park in San Jose on the subject: "Chinese Americans' Fight for Civil Liberties: A Legal History of Resistance and Civil Disobedience."

Hear a powerful presentation and discussion by Historian David Lei with esteemed panelists:

CHCP Advisory Board Member/Historian Connie Young Yu
Historian/Lecturer Dr. Anna Eng
Educator/Researcher Dr. Vivien Leung

Discover stories that shaped history and learn about the vital and often overlooked role Asian Americans played in shaping civil rights and social justice in America.

CHCP's Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) in History Park will be open to visitors before the presentation from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm.

Admission: Free

For Parking and Directions: visit our Museum page.

CAH Museum Closed (for SJMADE Fest) (May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) will be CLOSED due to a special event, SJMADE Fest, being held at History Park.

Meanwhile, please view a slideshow of the museum or take a virtual tour of the museum.

Seminar: Create Family Videos with AI and PowerPoint (thru Jun 12) (June 07, 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject of Create Family Videos with AI and PowerPoint.

Location/Date/Time

Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Ln, Atherton, CA, March 5, Thursday, 1 – 3 PM
Pacifica Sharp Park Library, 104 Hilton Way, Pacifica, CA, March 15, Sunday, 12 – 2 PM
Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA, April 24, Friday, 11 AM – 1 PM
Foster City Library, 1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA, June 7, Sunday, 1 – 3 PM
San Carlos Library, 610 Elm St, San Carlos, CA, June 12, Friday, 12 – 2 PM

Seminar Highlights

Use AI and ChatGPT to craft narration for family stories
Design PowerPoint slides for storytelling with AI assistance
Turn your stories into narrated family history videos
Learn the full filmmaking process: story → slides → video
Familiarity with PowerPoint is useful

Session Abstract

Everyone has a story worth remembering. In this engaging multimedia lecture, Create Family Videos with AI and PowerPoint, you’ll learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can help turn cherished memories into beautifully narrated family history videos. Discover how AI can assist with writing narration, designing slides, and blending voice, images, and music to bring your story to life. Perfect for anyone who wants to preserve family stories for future generations. A basic familiarity with PowerPoint is suggested, but imagination and heart are the keys to creating lasting, meaningful stories.

About The Speaker: Ron Chan

Ron is a seasoned lecturer on family history documentation best practices, captivating audiences worldwide at genealogy workshops and libraries across the San Francisco Bay Area. As a published genealogy author, he has a passion for storytelling and teaches innovative technologies to bring ancestral tales to life. Ron is the Founder and Executive Director of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group, dedicated to preserving ancestral stories. He is also a co-founder of the Chinese American GI Project, ensuring that veterans’ legacies are not lost, forgotten, or ignored. As a CHCP Advisory Board Member, Ron is a contributor to CHCP's Oral History Project. Ron shares with you how to capture and share family struggles of the past so future generations can embrace, remember, and learn from those who came before.