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• AANHPI Heritage Month (thru May 31)

  • Start
    May 01, 2025
  • End
    May 31, 2025

  

  The month of May in the United States is designated as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI), also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The time is set aside to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans to the culture and achievement of our nation. May was officially selected by Congress in 1992 to honor the first Japanese immigration to the United States on May 7, 1843. The month of May was also chosen to pay tribute to Chinese immigrants who worked to complete the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.

  The term Asian Americans refer to Americans of Asian ancestry and a pan-ethnic group that includes diverse populations that have ancestral origins in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders include Americans from the Philippines, Hawaii, Samoa, Guam, and other countries in the Pacific basin.

  There are approximately 22 million Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Americans in the United States. By population size--Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders.

  Many educational presentations will be presented by PBS and other major and minor media outlets. Celebratory events are held by schools, universities, and other organizations.

  We hope you will celebrate often and learn much about the Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Americans this month.

  FOR MORE INFO

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• Seminar: My China Roots Tools and the Chinese American Experience (thru June 24)

  • Start
    May 16, 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM
  • End
    June 24, 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Various Bay Area Libraries

  

  Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject: My China Roots Tools and the Chinese American Experience. All sessions are in-person.

  Location/Date/Time

  • Burlingame Library, 480 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, April 27, 2 – 4 pm
  • Foster City Library, 1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, May 1, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  • Brisbane Library, 163 Visitacion Ave, Brisbane, May 4, 2 – 4 pm
  • Half Moon Bay Library, 620 Correas St, Half Moon Bay, May 8, 5 – 7 pm
  • Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Ln, Atherton, May 16, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
  • Millbrae Library, 1 Library Ave, Millbrae, June 24, 10:30 am - 12:30 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—came 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.

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• CHCP Traveling Exhibit @ SCCOE AAPI Heritage Celebration

  • When
    May 17, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Santa Clara County Office of Education, 1290 Ridder Park Dr, San Jose, CA 95131

  

  The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE)'s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Educators Network is hosting a fun-filled learning and cultural event to celebrate the broad tapestry of histories and experiences that constitute AAPI culture and heritage. Spend time engaging in fun activities, experiencing dynamic performances, and attending culturally-relevant learning sessions all focused on providing an unforgettably enriching experience.

  Audience: Educators, Parents/Guardians, Youth, Community Members
  
  Cost: FREE (refreshments provided)

  For More Information and to Register: https://sccoe.to/AAPI-May17-Event

  

  Be sure to visit CHCP’s traveling exhibit, Pioneering the Valley: The Chinese American Legacy in Santa Clara Valley, which is on display at the SCCOE through May 23. CHCP’s traveling exhibit is a 14-panel display depicting the history and contributions of the Chinese in Santa Clara Valley through photographs and text.

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• HSJ/CHCP South Bay AANHPI Festival

  • When
    May 17, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112

  

  Join History San Jose (HSJ), the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP), the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj), Mosaic America, and the Viet Museum for the South Bay AANHPI Festival on May 17th, 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, boba tea for purchase at Pennylane Sweets and Treats in 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 the Viet Museum, and an array of cultural performances sponsored by History San José, Mosaic America, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, and the Viet Museum.

  

  CHCP Highlights

  

  11:30 am to 12:30 pm: CHCP will start the Festival's entertainment !
  

  • 11:30 am: THD Lion Dance Team will open the Festival !
  • 11:45 am: Piano Duet - SDCAP Members James Tsai & Charles Ha
  • 11:53 am: Chinese Abacus Group & Mental Math Demonstration
  • 12:15 pm: Piano Solo - SDCAP Member Owen Lee
  • 12:22 pm: Chinese Guzhang Instrument - SDCAP Member Emily Zhang, CAHM 2nd floor

  Click here for Full Performance Schedule (11:30 am to 4:00 pm)

  
  

  11:00 am to 4:00 pm: Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) open

  • Year-of-the-Snake Sticker & Bookmark for visitors
  • 12:30 to 3:30 pm: Chinese Calligraphy - Calligrapher/Artist Robin Wang, under Canopy by CAHM Garden
  • 1:30 pm: Scavenger Hunt in and around CAHM - win prizes !
  • Chinese Singer Allan Fong accompanied by Chinese Pipa & Erhu instruments, CAHM 2nd floor

  
  

  11:00 am to 4:00 pm: Children's Year-of-the-Snake Crafts, front of Pacific Hotel
  

  • Spiral Snake
  • Connecting Snake
  • Magnetic Snake

  
  

  1:00 to 2:00 pm: CHCP Advisory Board Member Connie Young Yu will be a panelist in JAMsj's panel discussion "Once We Were Farmers," in Empire Firehouse (more details)

  
  

  

  ADMISSION: FREE

  AREA PARKING: $10 per vehicle
  

  FOR PARKING & DIRECTIONS: visit our Museum page.

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• PACL Presentation: "Sojourners to Joke Sings: Tales of Chinatown and Beyond" with Author Ron Lee

  • When
    May 18, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Mitchell Park Community Center, Adobe Room, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

  

  This Palo Alto City Library (PACL) event is free and will take place on May 18, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Mitchell Park Community Center, Adobe Room (3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto).

  Join for a captivating author reading featuring Ron Lee and his daughters, Meredith and Alison Lee, as they present Sojourners to Joke Sings: Tales of Chinatown and Beyond. This extraordinary work is based on the recently discovered memoir of L.K. Lennie Lee (1923-2021), Ron's mother, who left behind remarkable stories originally intended for her grandchildren.

  The book explores a unique perspective on Chinese American immigration history, from pre-Gold Rush settlement in what would become San Francisco to adventures throughout the American West. Learn about the mystery behind China Beach's name, connections to Robert Louis Stevenson, and a family's journey from hardship to success over generations.

  Rather than focusing solely on the undeniable challenges of racism and xenophobia, this presentation highlights the courage, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of early Chinese immigrants whose descendants continue to thrive in San Francisco today.

  Registration recommended (for a reminder email) but not required: REGISTER HERE

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• CAH Museum Open

  • When
    May 24, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Chinese American Historical Museum, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112

  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.

  
  

   

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• SCCLD/CHCP Talk: Two Waves of Chinese Immigrants and the Salmon Canning Industry

  • When
    May 25, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

  

  This Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) program is presented in celebration of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and is co-sponsored with the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) based in Santa Clara County.

  James Chiao (a CHCP Advisory Board member) and his twin brother Philip Chiao will describe two waves of Chinese immigrants that worked in the salmon canneries of the Pacific Northwest. The first wave began in the 1850s, driven by the 1849 Gold Rush and the building of the transcontinental railroad. The second wave came after World War II and the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

  ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

  James Chiao is an Electrical Engineer by profession. He is a co-founder and co-chair of a non-profit organization Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), and an advisory board member of Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP). He is a publisher of the 2021 book Friends of Children with Special Needs – building a Dream Community.
  
  Philip C. Chiao is an Architect by profession. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington, and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois. He retired from his profession in 2016. He is currently a member of the Design Review Committee for the City of Pasadena.
  
  Since retirement, the Chiao brothers have studied the history of the Chinese Americans in the salmon canning industry. They created a website that carries stories of Chinese workers, contractors, and related canning history. They published their book, The Price of Salmon, a collection of newspaper articles by Max Stern, in the summer of 2022. The Chiao brothers were also featured panelists in CHCP's 10/10/20 Speaker Series webinar: "Chinese Cannery Workers in the 19th & 20th Centuries."

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• CHCP Outreach @ ACCC Dragon Boat Festival Celebration

  • When
    May 29, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Avenidas Chinese Community Center, Room H5 (4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303) & Online (via Zoom)

  

  Join Avenidas Chinese Community Center (ACCC)'s Dragon Boat Festival Celebration on May 29, where CHCP will be doing outreach activities.

  The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday which takes place on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrations involve eating zongzi (rice dumplings), drinking Xionghuang wine, and racing dragon boats.

  Join Teacher Andrew Chang to learn the origin story of this festival and see a virtual zongzi demo.

  This is a FREE hybrid event that takes place both in-person and online. Space is limited at the in-person event. Please RSVP by May 15.

  The first 50 participants (ages 50+) for the in-person event will receive a prize.
  

       RSVP HERE 

  All Avenidas Chinese Community Center (ACCC) activities will be presented bilingually in Mandarin and English. Welcome to ages 50 and above to join.

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• CAH Museum Closed (during SJMade Fest)

  • When
    May 31, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Chinese American Historical Museum, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112

  

  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.

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• CHSA Panel Discussion: The Geary Act Project

  • When
    May 31, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Chinese Historical Society of America (965 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108) & Online

  

  In bringing Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month to a close, the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) presents a panel discussion about a hidden chapter of American history when the 1892 Geary Act required all Chinese in America to carry certificates of residence during the exclusion era of the U.S. Chinese residents were mandated to carry these certificates as proof of legal entry and the right to remain in the country.

  This presentation with CHCP Advisory Board Member Connie Young Yu and Barre Fong addresses the "paper trail" of Chinese exclusion and the documentation of Chinese American history. They will discuss the Geary Act Project, a history archival project aimed at collecting public Geary Act certificates of residence, or "yellow cards," kept by descendants of Chinese pioneers and "persons other than laborer." 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.

  The program will include a discussion with keynote speaker Gordon Chang, professor of the first Asian American history course at Stanford University and author of "Ghosts of Gold Mountain, The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad." Gordon will recount the journey of Asian American studies and the importance of archiving and documentation.

  Doors will open at 12:30 pm.
  Program starts at 1:00 pm.

  A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

  This program will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@CHSAmuseum/streams

  MORE INFO & FREE TICKETS

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• SCCLD/CHCP Film Screening: Lingering Dream of Homeland

  • When
    June 08, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Saratoga Library, Community Room, 13650 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

  

  The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), with co-sponsor CHCP, will offer a free film screening of Lingering Dream of Homeland.

  Lingering Dream of Homeland is a feature-length film by writer/director Li Weinian, a native of Taishan, Guangdong, China (廣東泰山). Centered on the story of a multi-generational family from Taishan in the 1920s and 1930s, the film explores themes of immigration, family separation, and cultural preservation. Highlighting the history of Taishan, Li Weinian brings the beauty of its landscape and traditions to the big screen with locally cast Taishanese actors.

  This 94-minute film is in Cantonese, with Chinese and English subtitles.

  All are welcome. Seating is first come, first serve. Masks are optional.

  VIEW TRAILER
  

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• Seminar: Writing Family History with Artificial Intelligence (thru Sept 14)

  • Start
    June 28, 2025
  •  
    2:45 PM
  • End
    September 14, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Various Bay Area Libraries

  

  Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject of Writing Family History with Artificial Intelligence. All sessions are in-person.

  Location/Date/Time

  • Santa Clara Library, 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, Feb 1, 1 - 3 pm
  • Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino, Mar 1, 11 am - 1 pm
  • El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave, El Cerrito, Mar 8, 11 am - 1 pm
  • San Leandro Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, Mar 22, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
  • Atherton, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Ln, Atherton, Apr 9, 11 am - 1 pm
  • San Carlos, 610 Elm St, San Carlos, Apr 16, 11 am - 1 pm
  • Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Ave, Room 201, Cupertino, May 6, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
  • Redwood City Library, 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, June 28, 2:45 - 4:45 pm
  • Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, Sept 14, 2 - 4 pm

  Summary

  • Hands-on Writing Family History with AI Workshop
  • Blend of theory, demonstration, and practical application
  • Explore storytelling fundamentals and AI-generated narratives
  • Learn to use AI as a writing coach and create personalized stories
  • Share family anecdotes and insights with fellow participants 
  • Discover where to publish family stories online – FREE

  Explore the fusion of storytelling and artificial intelligence at this Writing Family History with AI Workshop. This interactive session merges theory, demonstrations, and sharing for a dynamic learning experience. Learn storytelling fundamentals, from traditional tales to AI-generated narratives. Discover how AI can enhance your writing process and create captivating stories. Dive into movie-making techniques and unleash your storytelling prowess through personalized videos. Bring your creativity and laptop, and craft your own AI-assisted family stories. Share and connect with fellow participants, exchanging family anecdotes and insights. No prior experience necessary, just bring your creativity and curiosity, plus an internet-ready laptop with a word processor.

  About The Speaker: Ron Chan

  Ron is a seasoned lecturer on family history documentation principles, captivating audiences worldwide at Genealogy Workshops and libraries. As a published genealogy author, he has a passion for storytelling, teaching innovative methods to breathe life into ancestral tales. Ron is the Founder of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group, dedicated to preserving ancestral stories. He is also Co-Founder of the Chinese American GI Project to honor veterans' legacies and a CHCP Advisory Board Member working on CHCP's Oral History Project.

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• Seminar: Digitize & Document Your Family History (thru Sept 20)

  • Start
    July 12, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    September 20, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Various Bay Area Libraries

  

  Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject: Digitize & Document Your Family History. All sessions are in-person.

  Location/Date/Time

  • Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St, Gilroy, Feb 15, 1 - 3 pm (Note Date Change)
  • San Leandro Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, Feb 22, 1:30 - 3:30 pm<
  • Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Ln, Atherton, Mar 12, 11 am – 1 pm
  • San Carlos Library, 610 Elm St, San Carlos, Mar 19, 11 am – 1 pm
  • Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave, Oakland, Mar 29, 1 – 3 pm
  • Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak St, Alameda, May 3, 1 - 3 pm
  • Palo Alto Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, May 10, 1 - 3 pm
  • San Mateo Library, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, Jul 12, 1 – 3 pm
  • Santa Clara Library, 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, Sept 20, 1 – 3 pm

  Summary

  • Utilize AI for oral history, scanning, photo restoration, and management
  • Explore case studies for weaving family sagas with multimedia
  • Discover free resources and best practices for legacy preservation
  • Learn tools for creating a digital family heritage library

  Dive into a realm where physical artifacts meet virtual storytelling. This session immerses you in the art of utilizing artificial intelligence for oral history creation, scanning, photo restoration, photo management, movie making and storytelling. Explore real-life case studies illustrating how to intricately weave your family’s saga using multimedia methodologies. Discover invaluable free resources and best practices to preserve your family’s legacy. By session end, you’ll learn about tools and techniques to create a digital family heritage library, that will be a timeless treasure for generations to come.

  About The Speaker: Ron Chan

  Ron is a seasoned lecturer on family history documentation principles, captivating audiences worldwide at Genealogy Workshops and libraries. As a published genealogy author, he has a passion for storytelling, teaching innovative methods to breathe life into ancestral tales. Ron is the Founder of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group, dedicated to preserving ancestral stories. He is also Co-Founder of the Chinese American GI Project to honor veterans' legacies and a CHCP Advisory Board Member working on CHCP's Oral History Project.

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