Chinese Historical & Cultural Project upcoming events

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.

Film Screening: "Dear You" (thru Sept 9) (September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Dear You, a low-budget independent drama, is making its way to North American cinemas on September 3. Dear You provides a glimpse into the centuries-long history of Chinese migration, shot almost entirely in Teochew, a southern Chinese dialect that most Chinese viewers need subtitles to understand. Yet Dear You has become China’s second-highest grossing film of the year.

Directed and co-written by Lan Hongchun, Dear You tracks a young man burdened by financial trouble who journeys from eastern Guangdong province to Thailand. He hopes to track down his long-lost grandfather to settle his debts, expecting to find a wealthy relative who sent remittances for decades. Instead, he uncovers a lifelong act of love and sacrifice. Inspired by overseas Chinese traditions, Dear You has become a breakout success, touching global audiences with its story of family and devotion.

For AMC Showtimes

For CINEMARK Showtimes

CHCP Hiring Student Interns (thru Sept 11) (September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

CHCP is providing an experiential learning and employment opportunity for college or post-secondary students as Student Interns to help advance CHCP’s impact.

This program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn communication skills, cultural competencies, marketing, and related skills.

A stipend of $1,000 (up to $1,500) is available.

MORE INFORMATION

CHSA Book Talk: "Mysteries from My Childhood: How I Found Out My Parents Were Spies in WWII" (SOLD OUT) (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

CMAC Empress Re-Imagined Community Open House (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

On April 1, 2026, the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative (CMAC) announced the purchase of the historic Empress of China building, one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco and Chinatown. CMAC returned the building to community ownership, and it is now evolving into a space for creativity, belonging, and San Francisco’s future.

CMAC, composed of six leading Asian American nonprofits—Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, Chinese Culture Foundation, Chinese Historical Society of America, Center for Asian American Media, Chinatown Community Development Center, and Chinese for Affirmative Action—is having an Open House on Sept. 12, 2026, featuring performances, artist-created archival photo and film projections, hands-on art and wellness activities, and more. Come see the reimagined space at the Empress of China Building in the heart of Chinatown!

For more information and to RSVP: Community Open House — CMAC

CAH Museum Open (during Cars in the Park) (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 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 September 12 during the Cars in the Park event. The Cars in the Park event will be held from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at History Park.

Cars in the Park: Antiques & Classics Through ’55 is a lively, family-oriented celebration of automotive history held at History Park. The event spotlights pre-1955 vehicles and pairs the display of classics with interactive experiences—touchable cars, a Model T assembly demonstration, kid-focused activities and scavenger hunts, historic trolley rides, live music, vintage fashion, crafting demonstrations and access to cultural and history museums. The atmosphere invites visitors to explore, learn and connect with hands-on heritage experiences.

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

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

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.

This "Double Happiness" Celebration commemorates two major anniversaries:

35th Anniversary of the Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM)
CHCP raised money to build the replica Ng Sing Gung building (which houses the Chinese American Historical Museum) and then gifted the building to the City of San Jose on Sept. 29, 1991, to permanently preserve the history of Santa Clara Valley’s early Chinese pioneers.
5th Anniversary of the City of San Jose’s Resolution of Apology
On Sept. 29, 2021, then San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and other elected officials presented a Resolution of Apology to the Chinese American community leaders and residents apologizing for the City’s role in past acts of discrimination against the Chinese immigrant community.

Come to enjoy spectacular Cultural Entertainment, Lion Dancing, fun Children’s Activities, CHCP's new Traveling Exhibit, plus Light Refreshments, and be sure to visit the Chinese American Historical Museum to view their informative exhibits including the new Apology Exhibit.

Invite Family & Friends to this FREE Event!

Please RSVP to help us plan for refreshments.

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

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.

Milpitas Lantern Festival (September 25, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Milpitas celebrates the late summer Harvest Moon with a family-friendly Lantern Festival at Civic Center Plaza, incorporating cultural traditions of our large Asian community. Guests can decorate lanterns to share with the community and enjoy colorful dance performances, lively music, and delicious fare from local food trucks.

Free Admission. Lantern kits and food truck items are available for purchase.

For more information: Lantern Festival | Milpitas, CA

CAH Museum Open (September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 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.

CHCP SDCAP Orientation (October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

An Orientation for CHCP's Student Docent Cultural Ambassador Program (SDCAP) will be held at History Park in San Jose. Come and contribute to preserving, educating, and promoting Chinese and Chinese American history and culture! This program is open to high school/college students and their parents.

The Orientation is on October 10 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, with snacks and lunch provided.

Morning activities will introduce CHCP, History Park, SDCAP, members (returning and new), and oral communication tips. A docent training manual with a special tour of the Chinese American Historical Museum follows lunch, along with specific information about SDCAP events and projects for 2026-2027.

To reserve your spot and your training material, please RSVP by October 1 to: SDCAP Chair/CHCP Director Brenda Wong (408-228-2424 or brenda.wong@chcp.org). Parents are also welcome to RSVP to attend the Orientation.

For SDCAP applications and more information: visit our SDCAP page. For students and parents ready to join, emailing your application(s) to brenda.wong@chcp.org ASAP will enable you to be updated and included in all current communications.

For parking and directions: visit our Museum page.

Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest (thru Nov 1) (October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In-Person Film Festival: Oct 22 - 25

Online Film Festival: Oct 26 - Nov 1

Contemporary Asian Theatre Scene (CATS) is proud to present the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest (SVAPFF), providing access to top-quality cinema created by Asian American artists that offers valuable opportunities to learn about Asian cultures and experiences. This year’s theme, The Connecting Power of Film, celebrates the stories, filmmakers, and communities that bring us together through cinema.

The festival kicks off with Opening Night on October 22 at De Anza Visual Performing Arts Center (21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014), followed by the in-person weekend festival October 23–25 at AMC Sunnyvale 12 (150 E McKinley Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086), then continues online October 26–November 1.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Use code SVAPFF-EB25 by September 30 for a 25% discount.

For movie schedule and to purchase tickets: www.svapfilmfest.org.

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