Chinese Historical & Cultural Project upcoming events

MFM Exhibit: "WWI: America in the Great War" (thru June 6) (January 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:00:00 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.

Seminar: Create Family Videos with AI and PowerPoint (thru Jun 12) (April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Various Bay Area libraries will be hosting a FREE seminar on the subject of Create Family Videos with AI and PowerPoint.

Location/Date/Time

Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Ln, Atherton, CA, March 5, Thursday, 1 – 3 PM
Pacifica Sharp Park Library, 104 Hilton Way, Pacifica, CA, March 15, Sunday, 12 – 2 PM
Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA, April 24, Friday, 11 AM – 1 PM
Foster City Library, 1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA, June 7, Sunday, 1 – 3 PM
San Carlos Library, 610 Elm St, San Carlos, CA, June 12, Friday, 12 – 2 PM

Seminar Highlights

Use AI and ChatGPT to craft narration for family stories
Design PowerPoint slides for storytelling with AI assistance
Turn your stories into narrated family history videos
Learn the full filmmaking process: story → slides → video
Familiarity with PowerPoint is useful

Session Abstract

Everyone has a story worth remembering. In this engaging multimedia lecture, Create Family Videos with AI and PowerPoint, you’ll learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can help turn cherished memories into beautifully narrated family history videos. Discover how AI can assist with writing narration, designing slides, and blending voice, images, and music to bring your story to life. Perfect for anyone who wants to preserve family stories for future generations. A basic familiarity with PowerPoint is suggested, but imagination and heart are the keys to creating lasting, meaningful stories.

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.

CAH Museum Open (during Printers' Fair) (April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 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 during the Bay Area Printers' Fair from 12:00 to 3:45 pm. The Printers' Fair runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

ADMISSION: Free

For Printers' Fair details: Printers’ Guild – SF Bay Area Printers’ Fair & Wayzgoose

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

Stanford Chang Le Dance 20th Anniversary Showcase (April 25, 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Join Stanford Chang Le Dance's 3rd annual showcase and 20th anniversary performance titled Seasons Anthology (岁集) on Saturday, April 25, from 7 PM - 9 PM at Dinkelspiel Auditorium.

Showcase Logistics

Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Doors open 6:30 PM)
Venue: Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford
Free admission (RSVP required)

Showcase Overview

Seasons Anthology (岁集) is a celebration of 20 years of Chinese classical and folk dance at Stanford, bringing together a collection of stories shaped by culture and time.
This showcase features 10 dance repertoires, 1 narrative choreodrama, and other Stanford student performing groups, celebrating the universal language of movement and music.

Audience Experience

Admission: Admission starts at 6:30 PM. Recommended arrival time is at least 10 minutes before the show starts.
Parking Advisory: Limited availability near venue. Arrive early for stress-free parking at Tresidder parking lot.

RSVP HERE

CHSA Film Screening with Felicia Lowe: "Chinatown" (April 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) will present a free film screening of Chinatown (1995) and post film discussion with director Felicia Lowe and San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim.

Through interviews and archival images, Chinatown offers an intimate look at San Francisco's oldest neighborhood. The film, which features the poetry of San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim, received an Emmy Award for Best Cultural Documentary.

MORE INFO

AIISF Presentation: "Gateways in Dialogue: Through Young Eyes" (April 30, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF) on Zoom on April 30 for the sixth event in their ongoing collaborative series with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. What was it like for children to immigrate to the United States? Was the process different for them compared to adults?

Stephen Lean, Director of the American Family Immigration History Center, and Danielle Wetmore, Director of Education at Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, will cover these questions and personal stories of staff personnel over the course of a 1-hour presentation. They’ll even answer questions you might have in an audience Q&A after the presentation.

They welcome new participants who did not attend previous sessions of the series. If you’re curious about what was covered then, you can watch the recorded sessions on YouTube here .

CAH Museum Open (May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 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.

SCCLD Presentation: The Geary Act Project (May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

This Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) presentation by local historian Connie Young Yu addresses the "paper trail" of Chinese exclusion and the documentation of Chinese American history. Connie will speak about the historic implications of The Geary Act of 1892 that extended the Chinese Exclusion Act and required photo-identification for all Chinese in America. She will show slides from The Geary Act Project, an on-line gallery of certificates of residence, including those submitted by descendants of Chinese pioneers.

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. This program is free and open to all.

About Connie Young Yu

Connie Young Yu is a writer and independent historian dedicated to documenting America’s immigration history for over a half century. She was involved in the preservation of the immigration detention building that led to the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay becoming a national monument. She was a founding member of Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) and is an Advisory Board Member and Historian for CHCP. Among her many works, she is the author of Chinatown, San Jose, USA, The Peoples Bicentennial Quilt Book and co-author of Hakone Estate and Gardens.

MORE INFO

Pacific Grove Museum's Walk of Remembrance (thru May 10) (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, Quock Mui Foundation, Stanford University, City of Pacific Grove, and the Coalition for Asian Justice for the 2026 Walk of Remembrance to be held May 9 and 10.

The Walk of Remembrance celebrates Monterey's pioneering fishing community and the impact the residents and their descendants have had on California's Central Coast and beyond. There are many educational and inspiring events connected to the Walk and AAPI Heritage Month in May as well.

All Walk of Remembrance events are free and open to the public. Most events do not require advance registration, but do have limited capacity. Come early to make sure you have a spot. The Chinese/Whalers Cabin tour at Pt. Lobos on Sunday does require pre-registration due to extremely limited space.

FOR DETAILS

CAH Museum Open (during Scout-O-Rama) (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 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 May 9 during the Scout-O-Rama event. The Scout-O-Rama event will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at History Park.

Scout-O-Rama is the best of local Scouting on display for the whole community in the heart of San Jose at History Park. This family-friendly day of discovery includes 100+ hands-on activities for all ages. Enjoy archery, shooting water rockets, tomahawk throwing, exploring firetrucks, racing pinewood derby cars, slacklining, crafts, life-size mazes, and more. Several food trucks are onsite to provide a variety of cuisines or enjoy your own picnic lunch.

ADMISSION: While the Museum is free, you must pay for admission to History Park for the Scout-O-Rama event. Information and tickets can be found here.

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

NTUS Dance Show: We Are Taiwan (Early Bird Discount) (May 10, 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

On May 10, celebrate Mother’s Day and AAPI Heritage Month in a truly unforgettable way. The acclaimed National Taiwan University of Sport (NTUS) Dance Ensemble is coming all the way from Taiwan to the Bay Area for a special performance you won’t want to miss.

An extraordinary program inspired by Taiwan’s vibrant culture — bold choreography, cross-disciplinary artistry, and soulful music woven into one powerful stage experience.

FOR TICKETS

Early Bird Discount (20% Off) with code: TAIWAN2026

C100 Conversations: "Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes" featuring Stanford Professor Steven Chu (May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join the upcoming Committee of 100’s Conversations - “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes,” featuring Steven Chu, Nobel Prize Recipient in Physics, former Secretary of Energy, and Stanford University Professor.

Steven Chu will talk about his upbringing and personal history, his pioneering career in scientific research, and his leadership in government as the Secretary of Energy where he implemented important initiatives.

Peter Young, Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member, will be the moderator.

HSJ/CHCP South Bay AANHPI Festival (May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join History San Jose (HSJ), the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP), the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj), and Mosaic America for the South Bay AANHPI Festival on May 16th, 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, ice cream and treats at 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 an array of cultural performances sponsored by History San José, Mosaic America, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

ADMISSION: FREE

AREA PARKING: $10 per vehicle

FOR PARKING & DIRECTIONS: visit our Museum page.

CAH Museum Open (May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 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.

Seminar: "China Roots: How to Trace Your Family History" (thru Sept 20) (May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 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, CA, May 10, Sunday, 2 – 4 PM
Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St, Mountain View, CA, May 23, Saturday, 2 – 4 PM
San Mateo Library, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA, June 13, Saturday, 1 - 3 PM
Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA, 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

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.

CAH Museum Open (May 24, 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 18:00:00 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.

CHCP Presentation: "Chinese Americans' Fight for Civil Liberties: A Legal History of Resistance and Civil Disobedience" (May 24, 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join CHCP for a presentation and panel discussion on Sunday May 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at History Park in San Jose on the subject: "Chinese Americans' Fight for Civil Liberties: A Legal History of Resistance and Civil Disobedience."

Hear a powerful presentation and discussion by Historian David Lei with esteemed panelists, CHCP Advisory Board Member/Historian Connie Young Yu and Historian/Lecturer Dr. Anna Eng. Discover stories that shaped history and learn about the vital and often overlooked role Asian Americans played in shaping civil rights and social justice in America.

Also, CHCP's Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) in History Park will be open to visitors before the presentation from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Admission: Free

For Parking and Directions: visit our Museum page.

CAH Museum Closed (for SJMADE Fest) (May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

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.