Sponsored by Minnesota Chinese Cultural Services Center (MCCSC), Chinese American Academic and Professional Association in Minnesota (CAAPAM), Asian Media Access (AMA), Minnesota Chinese Veterans Association (MCVA) and several other Chinese community organizations, the "100 Years of Chinese American History in MN from 1911 - 2011 - Story from Within" project will kick off May 4, 2011 at the Landmark Center from 5 to 7 p.m. The project will highlight the Chinese American Minnesotans, their contributions and struggles, with a special emphasis on the Oral and Photo History throughout Minnesota. The May 4, event will include reception, ribbon cutting ceremony for the photo exhibition, introduction of the 15 oral history interviewees, and exhibition tour.
Sponsored by Minnesota Chinese Cultural Services Center (MCCSC), Chinese American Academic and Professional Association in Minnesota (CAAPAM), Asian Media Access (AMA), Minnesota Chinese Veterans Association (MCVA) and several other Chinese community organizations, the "100 Years of Chinese American History in MN from 1911 - 2011 - Story from Within" project will kick off May 4, 2011 at the Landmark Center from 5 to 7 p.m. The project will highlight the Chinese American Minnesotans, their contributions and struggles, with a special emphasis on the Oral and Photo History throughout Minnesota. The May 4, event will include reception, ribbon cutting ceremony for the photo exhibition, introduction of the 15 oral history interviewees, and exhibition tour.
The Chinese American community erected this arch on Nicollet Mall for the 1970 Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival.
The reason of choosing the 100 years - from 1911 - 2011 is inspired by the Minnesota Historical Society book – Chinese in Minnesota description - "By 1910 the Chinese population had grown to nearly 400. This included more than 100 Chinese men in Iron Range towns, where they operated small businesses, including laundries, to meet the demands of the men who worked in lumber camps and mines. Family life developed slowly in Minnesota's early Chinese community and elsewhere in the United States, due to the restrictions of the immigration law, Chinese tradition, and the high cost of trans-Pacific travel. Nevertheless, at least six families were established in Minnesota before 1910."
We see 1911 is a new beginning for Chinese American in Minnesota, with establishing immigration patterns and soon many events followed, such as: establishing cultural and social organizations, businesses, involving in mainland politics, and active education exchange, etc.
The project will capture information about Chinese immigration history in Minnesota, settling experience and their memories in relationships to historical events back in the homeland. The whole project will include:
● 15 Oral History Interviews with Chinese Americans in Minnesota
● Photo and Audio/Video Exhibition, May – June, 2011 (along with Chinese American Artists' works)
● Educational Package with DVDs, including Photo Exhibition of Chinese American History in Minnesota, 15 Oral History Interviews, 100 Chinese Families Slide Show and the whole year event records.
Upcoming Events
100 Years of Chinese American History in Minnesota Photo Exhibition Preview, Chinese Music Concert, & Pan Asian Arts Festival
Date / Time: Sunday, May 1, 2011 / Noon to 5 p.m.
Photo Preview: Noon to 5 p.m.
Pan Asian Arts Festival: Noon to 3 p.m.
Chinese Music Concert: 3 to 5 p.m.
Place: Landmark Center, 75 5th St W., Saint Paul, MN 55102
100 Years of Chinese American History in Minnesota Photo Exhibition I
Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 / 5 to 7 p.m.
Exhibition: May 4 to June 12
Hours: Mon. – Wed. & Fri. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.,
Thu. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.,
Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.,
Sun. Noon – 5 p.m.
Place: Landmark Center, 75 5th St W., Saint Paul, MN 55102
100 Years of Chinese American History in Minnesota Photo Exhibition II & Chinese American Arts Exhibition
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 18, 2011 6-8 p.m.
Exhibition: June 16 to July 16
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.,
Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Place: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue. Burnsville, MN 55337
The Minnesota Historical Society's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund made this project possible. All events are free and open to the public, visit http://roc100minnesota.info/ online, call 651-733-9827, or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..