It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the culture, history, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders here in New York City and across the country.
AAPI Heritage Month first received federal recognition in 1978 from then-President Jimmy Carter. The month of May was chosen to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, in recognition of the Chinese immigrants who made up a majority of laborers completing the work on the project. In addition, it commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843. Later, the week-long celebration established by President Carter was extended to last for the entire month of May in 1990. In 1992, Congress passed a law that officially designated an annual celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.
AAPI Heritage Month celebrates communities with roots throughout the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing the entirety of the Asian continent, as well as the countries and territories that make up the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Coming from such a wide geographical area, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has a rich and varied history and culture to learn more about all month long.
You can celebrate by exploring the resources below – and stay tuned for additional coverage of AAPI Heritage Month!
Events, Exhibitions, and Places to Visit
- Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the New York Public Library. Check out their calendar for more information on events and programs for all ages happening near you, all month long.
- Join the Urban Park Rangers for fun activities and free history tours in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, taking place throughout May in NYC Parks across the five boroughs.
- The National Park Service has compiled information about New York City’s Chinatown, which also tells the story of suffragette Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, who lived and worked there.
- Visit chinatown.nyc for more information on events and programs happening in Chinatown.
- The Asia Society of New York has a number of exhibitions that explore many cultural identities and backgrounds.
- Check out “What’s On” at the Museum of Chinese in America, located in Manhattan, which hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year, including family programming.
- The Village Preservation Society has assembled a guide to individuals, organizations, institutions, and events located in NYC that played an important role in the story of Asian Americans in our city and country — especially in relation to civil rights and the arts.
- Use the Smithsonian Learning Lab to explore their virtual exhibition, “Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month”, inspired by an exhibition from the National Museum of American History on display at the White House in May 2021. The objects in this collection share diverse and inspiring stories of Asian Americans who have shaped United States history.
- Across many cultures, Asian American artists have had a profound influence, which is explored through the selected works presented digitally by the Smithsonian in their collection of Asian American art and artists.
