Chinese Historical & Cultural Project upcoming events

CHCP Contest: Civil Rights & the Asian American Experience (EXTENDED thru Aug 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, 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
Original artwork, including photography, digital art, and graphic art
Poetry

Accepted submission formats are: MOV/MP4, high-resolution JPEG/PNG/TIFF, and 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: Extended to August 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.

CHSA Discussion: Echoes Across the Ocean (SOLD OUT) (August 16, 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Most histories focus only on the arrival of immigrants in the West. But the Chinese diaspora was a continuous circle of cultural exchange. Our ancestors deeply influenced the communities they adopted, while simultaneously transforming their ancestral homelands in Southern China.

Join the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) for a profound exploration with Dr. Selia Tan, world renowned expert on overseas Chinese history, cultural conservation and root-searching, based in Guangdong, China. This presentation addresses the transnational history of Chinese emigration from the Taishan and Kaiping districts and her experiences in assisting overseas Chinese with genealogical research.

This program includes a Q&A session.

Tickets are $15 and includes a complimentary lunch buffet.

BUY TICKETS

CAH Museum Open for Welcome in Wednesdays (thru Aug 26) (August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Looking for something fun and free to do midweek? Come explore Welcome in Wednesdays at History Park from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

The Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) will be open from 12:00 to 3:45 pm on the following Wednesdays:

July 1
July 8
July 15
July 22
July 29
Aug 5
Aug 12
Aug 19
Aug 26

The Museum 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.

CHCP Outreach @ Kids Fun Festival (August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Join the Taiwanese Culture & Sports Association (TCSA) at their annual Kids Fun Festival on August 22nd at Cupertino Memorial Park.

Experience cultural performances, international food, family-friendly activities, games, and over 120 booths (including CHCP) celebrating the rich diversity of the Bay Area.

CAH Museum Open (during SJ Poetry Festival) (August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 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 August 22 during the San Jose Poetry Festival. The San Jose Poetry Festival will be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at History Park.

ADMISSION: Museum is free. Information for the San Jose Poetry Festival can be found here.

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

CCSC Chinatown Mural Tour & Cleanup (August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Join the Charity Cultural Services Center (CCSC) for a Chinatown street cleaning and guided mural tour highlighting the stories, history, and artists behind the neighborhood’s public art. Afterward, enjoy live performances, food, and drinks with fellow volunteers and community members.

The entire event is free, including the tour, performances, food, and drinks.

REGISTER HERE

CAH Museum Open (during Chicano Soul Fest) (August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 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 August 29 during the Chicano Soul Fest. The Chicano Soul Fest will be held from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at History Park.

Chicano Soul Fest is a cultural event preserving San Jose roots featuring cultural performances, live art, music, vendors, and much more!

ADMISSION: While the Museum is free, you must pay for admission to History Park for the Chicano Soul Fest. Information and tickets can be found here.

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

CHCP Doors Open Tour: Gilded Altars and Lost Chinatowns of San Jose (September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 17:30:00 GMT

This September, the California Preservation Foundation presents the 4th annual Doors Open California, the largest statewide celebration of historic places in California offering exclusive, behind- the-scenes access to historic and culturally significant places across the Golden State, with special tours, talks, and once-a-year experiences designed to connect the public with California’s layered history. Enthusiasts of historic architecture, design, and cultural heritage will have access to over 70 sites across the state on the weekends during the month of September 2026. Registration is a flat fee of $20 per person to access all sites (children and students are free).

This year, CHCP's Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) at History Park in San Jose will be one of the featured sites of Doors Open California:

On September 5 at History Park, Doors Open registrants will receive a special presentation, Gilded Altars and Lost Chinatowns of San Jose, by CHCP Vice-President of Education Chris Jochim at 10:30 am in the Renzel Room inside the Pacific Hotel. The presentation will be followed by a private museum tour of the Chinese American Historical Museum, a replica of the late nineteenth-century Ng Shing Gung temple. Highlights include artifacts from five former San Jose Chinatowns and the original 1888 gilded altar—one of the most extraordinary surviving Chinese temple altars presented in the United States.

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

For Doors Open schedule and to register:

SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION

CHSA Book Talk: "Mysteries from My Childhood: How I Found Out My Parents Were Spies in WWII" (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) on September 12 for a presentation and Q&A discussion of John T. Lee's book Mysteries from My Childhood.

How did a Hong Kong artist become an unexpected underground hero during WWII?

In his book, John T. Lee presents a transpacific story of immigration and return over several generations in one family, parts of which will be familiar to readers throughout the global Chinese diaspora. With a unique blend of family history and world events, Lee’s book shines a light on lesser-known topics, such as the overseas Chinese support for Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 1911 Revolution, and the existence of an underground network in Hong Kong during World War II.

ADMISSION: $15 includes complimentary lunch buffet

FOR TICKETS

SFPL Film Screening: Chinatown (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

The San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) will host a screening of the 1995 film, "Chinatown," followed by a discussion with Director Felicia Lowe and San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim.

"Chinatown" offers an intimate look at San Francisco's oldest neighborhood that thrives and survived isolation and racial and social injustice throughout its 160-year history. The film, which features the poetry of Genny Lim, received an Emmy Award for Best Cultural Documentary.

MORE INFO

OCA San Mateo Gala honors CHCP (September 12, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Join the OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) San Mateo Chapter for their 2026 Asian American Achievement Awards and Fundraising Dinner Gala.

This year, they will be honoring Dr. Gordon Chang, Dion Lim, Alyson Suzuki and the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) with Achievement Awards.

RSVP before Aug 12 for Early Bird pricing, and by Aug 31 for regular pricing.

RSVP HERE

CHCP Double Happiness Celebration (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) at our Double Happiness Celebration on September 19, 2026, at San Jose's History Park, to celebrate both the 35th anniversary of the Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) and the 5th anniversary of the City of San Jose's Resolution of Apology to the Chinese community.

Come to enjoy spectacular Cultural Entertainment, Lion Dancing, fun Children’s Activities, CAHM's new Apology Exhibit, CHCP's new Traveling Exhibit, plus Light Refreshments.

Invite Family & Friends to this FREE Event!

Please RSVP to help us plan for refreshments.

Seminar: Digitize & Document Your Family History (September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

The Castro Valley Library will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject: Digitize & Document Your Family History.

Location/Date/Time

Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, Sept 20, Sunday, 2 – 4 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 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.

Seminar: Unlock Your Ancestors' Military Records (thru Nov 8) (November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:00:00 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, Thursday, July 23, 1 – 3 PM (RESCHEDULED: from July 18)
Milpitas Library, 160 North Main St, Milpitas, Saturday, July 25, 1 – 3 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