The 1882 Foundation unites a national network of museums, educators, and community leaders to tell the full story of Chinese America—building bridges of understanding across generations and geographies.
Each year, we convene national gatherings that bring together historians, educators, museum professionals, and public agencies to preserve and share Chinese and Asian American histories rooted in the legacy of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act.
Since our first Symposium in 2013, these collaborations have grown into a nationwide and international network—from the Smithsonian and National Archives to community museums and universities across the U.S., Canada, and Asia.
Our conferences—Chinese American Women in History and Rural Chinatowns and Hidden Sites—continue this work, spotlighting overlooked stories and strengthening collaborations that connect communities across borders and generations.
The Symposium builds momentum each year, sharing best practices and advancing national projects.
National Lesson Plan Archive – A joint project with the National Archives, educators, and the Chinese American Citizens Alliance to create a free online bank of classroom-ready lesson plans.
Heritage Tours – Programs that bring history to life, developed with collaborators such as the Wing Luke Museum, the U.S. Forest Service, the Chinese Historical Society of America, and the Chinese American Museum Los Angeles. These tours link educators, government agencies, and local communities to create sustainable, replicable models for education and engagement.
Cross-Community Collaborations – A collaboration with the Alexandria Black History Museum produced April 1968, a short film commemorating the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act and Voting Rights Act, sparking teacher workshops and cross-cultural dialogue.
The Symposium and Conferences are expanding their digital network to connect collaborators year-round, share resources, and visualize a national collaborative map. Through international collaborations, they deepen understanding of the global Chinese diaspora and its connections to American history.
Through collaboration and shared purpose, the 1882 Foundation transforms remembrance into action — building a network that keeps Chinese American history alive for future generations.