Chinese Historical & Cultural Project upcoming events

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

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Now through July 4: Submit your entry early to win a $10 Boba Guys or Teaspoon Gift Card randomly selected for 10 Youth participants!

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, selected by a judging panel. PLUS: a $10 Boba Guys or Teaspoons gift card will be randomly selected for 10 of the early submissions in the youth division through July 4.

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

Youth Division: 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%).
Adult Division: Voting will be open to the public for People's Choice. Please check the CHCP website for details sometime after the submission deadline.

For Questions: Please email Contest2026@chcp.org.

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026, 6 pm PDT

SUBMIT ENTRY

MFM Exhibit: "WWI: America in the Great War" (thru Oct 3) (May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:00:00 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.

CAH Museum Open for Welcome in Wednesdays (June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Come explore Welcome in Wednesdays at History Park from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

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, and will be open from 12:00 to 3:45 pm.

Admission: Free

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

SDCHM Lecture: Chinese Americans in the Vietnam War (June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Join the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (SDCHM)'s June 2026 edition of The Chinese American Experience & Beyond (TCAE&B) lecture titled "Vietnam War." The lecture is free and held on Zoom!

During the Vietnam War, Chinese Americans served their country while also facing racism and questions about their identity at home and within the military. Many endured discrimination and racist slurs despite their loyalty and sacrifice, serving bravely as soldiers, medics, interpreters, officers, and Army nurses. Their stories remain an important yet often overlooked part of American and Asian American history.

Presenter: Montgomery Hom, Military Historian
Co-Presenter: Connie Young Yu, CHCP Advisory Board Member/Historian
Moderator: Bob Stein

CAH Museum Open (June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 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 for Welcome in Wednesdays (June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Come explore Welcome in Wednesdays at History Park from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

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, and will be open from 12:00 to 3:45 pm.

Admission: Free

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

CAH Museum Open (June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 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.

A Slice of History: History Park Walking Tour & Pizza Lunch (SOLD OUT) (July 01, 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

SOLD OUT: Thank you for your interest, but this event is full.

Join History San José on Wednesday July 1st for A Slice of History: San Jose Firsts walking tour of History Park to learn about San José's long history of innovation, followed by a pizza lunch.

A museum guide will lead you through History Park, discussing the historical and architectural background of each building. For some of the more important buildings, the famous people associated with them will be highlighted!

This is a FREE event. Complimentary pizza and drinks will be available after the tour concludes.

Space is limited! Book your spot now!

ALSO: The Chinese American Historical Museum will be open to visitors from 12:00 to 3:45 pm. Admission is FREE.

For Museum information (including parking & directions): visit our Museum page.

CAPHC July 4th Dutch Flat Parade & Gold Country Tour (July 04, 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with the Chinese American Pioneer Heritage Committee (CAPHC) at Dutch Flat's July 4th Parade followed with a tour of the Chinese Catfish Pond and the Historic Summit Tunnels. Each year CAPHC organizes a Chinese American contingent to join in Dutch Flat's July 4th Parade festivities to represent the history of the Chinese in Gold Country. This year their participation will be part of a multi-city coordinated national effort to "Lion Dance Across America" in celebration of that history. Lion Dance Teams will be participating in July 4th parades across the country including in Dutch Flat.

ITINERARY:

9:00 - 9:40 am: Visit Dutch Flat Golden Drift Museum (32820 Main St., Dutch Flat, CA 95715) and/or the Dutch Flat Chinese Cemetery
10:00 am: Line-up for the Parade - meet at Community Center (933 Stockton St., Dutch Flat, CA 95714). CAPHC will have costumes and props for you to use for the parade. Wear something Chinese, red, patriotic, or festive, and feel free to bring fans, hand props, gongs, cymbals, ribbons, or noise makers.
10:30 - 11:30 am: July 4th Parade Celebration - Walking in this small-town Parade is probably the best way to get to see this historic rustic Gold Mining town. The Parade route will walk through historic Main St. and down past Sacramento St. which was at one time the old Chinatown. In honor of America's 250th Anniversary and as part of the Lion Dance Across America program, Kei Lun Martial Arts will be performing the lion dance and maybe leading us with a dragon for this parade.
11:30 am - 1:30 pm: Drive 40 min. to Old 40 Bar & Grill (19320 Donner Pass Rd, Norden, CA) for lunch. Old 40 Bar & Grill will not be able to accommodate all of us so some will eat lunch at The Rustic Table (43440 Laing Rd., Emigrant Gap, CA) and then meet in front of Old 40 Bar & Grill at 1:30 pm.
1:30 - 3:15 pm: Hike to Chinese Catfish Pond from Old 40 Bar & Grill and back
3:15 - 5:00 pm: Walk from Old 40 Bar & Grill to Summit Tunnel and China Wall (Bring flashlights, headlamps, & sturdy shoes.) We will spend ~2 hours here to walk the tunnel, see China Wall and Donner Lake. We will walk Tunnel #6 which is around 550 yards long. At the end of Tunnel #6 is the China Wall and a view of Donner Lake.
5:00 pm: Drive home

(Locations & times subject to minor adjustments. Your group will be updated via the contact info you provide at Registration. Final Itinerary will be sent out 3 days before the tour. Important to provide active cell phone contact while on the trip in case we get separated. For those who cannot attend the full tour, you can join us at any point in the Schedule. You may try Texting or Calling to see where we are - but remember cell phone signal cannot be guaranteed so best to join us at a key point. Even if you do not join for the full tour, you must still fully Register, so we can know how many are coming and so we can send you updates and additional information.)

Email questions to: ChAmPioneerHeritageComm@gmail.com

REGISTER BY JUNE 28. Space is limited. First come, first serve.

Seminar: Unlock Your Ancestors' Military Records (thru Nov 8) (July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject: Unlock Your Ancestors' Military Records.

Location/Date/Time

Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, Friday, July 10, 1 – 3 PM
Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, Sunday, July 12, 2 – 4 PM
Morgan Hill Library, 660 W Main Ave, Morgan Hill, Tuesday, July 14, 4 – 6 PM
Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino, Saturday, July 18, 11 AM – 1 PM
Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St, Gilroy, Monday, July 27, 2 – 4 PM
Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, Sunday, November 8, 2 – 4 PM

What you will learn

Access military records from major archives and databases
Interpret DD-214s, draft cards, and service records
Use census and muster rolls to trace service
Create storytelling from veteran oral histories and personal accounts
Create and share a meaningful memorial page

Session Abstract

Unlock Your Ancestors’ Military Records: Critical documents, resources, and techniques to create military service stories. Discover the hidden stories of veterans in your family. This seminar shows how U.S. military records can enrich genealogy research by revealing an ancestor’s life, service, and character. Learn step-by-step methods to access records from the National Archives, FamilySearch, fold3, and online resources. Explore how to interpret DD-214 forms, locate draft registrations, use census and muster records to trace service and deployments. Hear veteran oral histories that bring records to life with personal context. Participants will learn to create a lasting memorial page honoring service.

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.

CHSA Film Screening: Chinese in Napa Valley (July 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:30:00 GMT

The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) is excited to welcome back author John McCormick and filmmaker Jeff Hamilton for a screening of the documentary Chinese in Napa Valley, based on McCormick's book that sheds light on the Chinese workers, who in the late 19th century, played a central role in Napa Valley’s vineyards, farms, railroads, and local businesses, yet were largely written out of its history.

Join CHSA for a viewing of this film and an in-depth discussion with McCormick, Hamilton, and CHCP Advisory Board Member/Historian Connie Young Yu. This screening offers a special early opportunity to see the film before its wider release.

Admission is $15 and includes a lunch reception.

FOR TICKETS

SCCLD Presentation: The Asian American Struggle for Belonging (July 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

At this Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) presentation, authors Veronica Li and Sverrir Sigurdsson will present their new book, 1882: A Gold Mountain Odyssey. The book is a historical novel of a Chinese immigrant's journey through the gold rush, railroad construction, and the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. It is a story of resilience and transformation.

A book signing will follow the talk. All are welcome.

About the Authors

Veronica Li emigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong as a teenager. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master’s degree in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked as a journalist and a World Bank project officer, and is currently a writer. Her three previously published titles are: Nightfall in Mogadishu, Journey across the Four Seas: A Chinese Woman’s Search for Home, and Confucius Says: A Novel. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and coauthor, Sverrir Sigurdsson. Her book, Journey Across the Four Seas, a memoir of her mother’s life, has been featured on C Span of Book TV.

Sverrir Sigurdsson grew up in Iceland and graduated from Finland as an architect. He pursued an international career that took him to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the U.S. His assignments focused on school construction and improving education in developing countries. He has worked for private companies and international organizations, including UNESCO and the World Bank. He is the author of Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir.

MORE INFO

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

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 21:00:00 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, May 10, Sunday, 2 – 4 PM
Mid-Continent Public Library, Online (via Zoom), May 11, Monday, 12 - 2 PM, REGISTER HERE for Zoom Session
Redwood Shores Branch Library, 399 Marine Parkway, Redwood City, May 16, Saturday, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St, Mountain View, May 23, Saturday, 2 – 4 PM
San Mateo Library, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, June 13, Saturday, 1 - 3 PM
CANCELLED: Santa Clara Public Library, 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, June 13, Saturday 1 - 3 PM
Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, 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