Dear Friends,

For the team building the new Chinese American Museum in DC, our greatest hope is that you and your loved ones are safe and thriving. The challenges and uncertainty created by the global health crisis are extraordinary, but we, as Americans, have a long history of overcoming great odds. We will do so again.

We continue to push forward … together. * May you find uplifting examples of the best in humanity during this difficult time.

While there have been countless moments of triumph and unity, this pandemic has unfortunately engendered an outbreak of racist incidents and discouraging displays of ignorance. Asian Americans, in their own country, have faced animosity, confrontation, and even violence in the wake of this virus. We are not only reminded of a painful past. We find ourselves reliving it. This is the price of underrepresented history.

The Chinese American story is now more important than ever. It serves as a blueprint for American fortitude and resilience. It illustrates the need for the kind of unanimity that all people need to embrace to get through this together.

A lot of people have asked how these circumstances have affected our efforts to build the Chinese American Museum. We are pleased to report that our staff, volunteers, and experts continue to move full speed ahead developing the physical museum and digital content. Like many of you, we are working in a whirlwind of web conferencing, cloud-based files, and unchanging scenery, but we are as excited and committed as ever to elevate the Chinese American story, even if that is mostly in the virtual world for now.

Our mission remains to advance the understanding and appreciation of the Chinese American experience. We feel that this is an effort relevant to all groups in America and beyond. As Americans, we each share a role in accomplishing great things whether that is increasing common understanding or fighting a terrible virus.

Let’s do it together. There are a number of ways to keep Chinese American story moving forward. Please become a member of our community.  Visit our web site, follow us on social media, become a member or donor, spread the word, and, hopefully soon, visit the museum in person and see our progress.

* at a safe distance

Sincerely,

David Uy
Executive Director
Chinese American Museum Foundation

Chinese American Museum Foundation - 1218 16th St. NW - Washington, DC 20036 - www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org