May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.
Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist Cave Temples of Xiangtangshan
Majestic sixth-century Chinese Buddhist sculpture is combined with 3-D imaging technology in this exploration of one of the most important groups of Buddhist devotional sites in early medieval China.
Virtual Museum Exhibit: Manzanar National Historic Site
This exhibit showcases Manzanar National Historic Site and its collections that tell the often painful story of relocation. Multi-media features include a virtual tour of the site today, slide shows exploring the daily lives of Manzanar internees, and oral history selections from people with personal connections to Manzanar and its stories.
Manjiro: America’s "First Ambassador" to Japan
The first Japanese national to set foot on American soil was a young fisherman named Manjiro Nakanohama who was to become influential in ending Japan’s centuries of isolation.
Veterans History Project
Asian Pacific Americans made lasting contributions to America’s wartime efforts. Collected stories highlight service from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.
For Teachers
Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse ready-to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids.
Event Highlights
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May 1 - 31
Film Screening: Kaho'olawe
This film chronicles the years-long effort by Native Hawaiians to recover their sacred island Kaho'olawe, which had been used as a military bombing range.
(Smithsonian, American Indian Museum) - May 6
Arts & Crafts Festival
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the museum's Asian Pacific American Arts & Crafts Festival with artists and craftspeople demonstrating Asian cultural traditions.
(Smithsonian, Natural History Museum) - May 7
Family Day Celebration
This day of activities centers on Sweet & Sour, an exhibition case that traces the evolution of Chinese food in the United States and the long history of Chinese immigration.
(Smithsonian, American History Museum) - May 14
Film – The Old Man and the Sea
This 1958 classic was directed by James Wong Howe, who emigrated from China with his family in 1899.
(National Archives) - May 25
Book Talk
Television personality and cookbook author Joan Nathan explores the rich tapestry of more than three centuries of Jewish cooking in America.
(National Archives)