Museum of Chinese in America: Explore History & Heritage

Hey there, fellow history and culture enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to take you on a virtual tour of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), a place that holds the key to understanding the remarkable journey of Chinese Americans.

As we start this exploration, it’s crucial to note MOCA’s significance. The Chinese American story, though integral to American history, has often been overshadowed. MOCA corrects this, sharing unfiltered Chinese American experiences. It challenges stereotypes, offering a nuanced view of a community that has contributed greatly to the US. From early railroad building laborers facing hardship and discrimination to today’s successful entrepreneurs and artists, MOCA honors their legacies and shows how their identities have evolved.

Basic Background of MOCA

MOCA was born out of a noble mission. In 1980, historian John Kuo Wei Tchen and activist Charles Lai founded the “New York Chinatown History Project,” a community-based initiative. It aimed to preserve and share the memories and experiences of the early Chinese Americans through oral histories, photo documentation, research, and collection efforts.

The Development of MOCA

Over the years, MOCA has evolved significantly. From 1997 to 2006, Fay Chew Matsuda led the museum as its director. In 2005, a major milestone was reached when it received a portion of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, with the help of then-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s donation. In 2009, it moved to its new location at 215 Centre Street in New York City, designed by Maya Lin, which was six times larger than its previous space. Herb Tam took the reins as the director and exhibition curator in 2011.

Collections edit As of early 2020, MOCA’s Collections and Research Center contained more than 85,000 artifacts, photos, memorabilia, documents, oral histories, and artwork. However, like any great institution, it faced challenges. In January 2020, a fire at its Mulberry Street storage facility affected about 85,000 artifacts. Thankfully, 35,000 had been digitized, and after painstaking restoration efforts, MOCA reopened its doors to the public on July 15, 2021.

MOCA’s Exhibitions

One of the centerpieces is the exhibition “With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America.” This immersive display delves into over 160 years of Chinese American history. Divided into various thematic and chronological sections, such as “Go East! Go West! (1784-1870)” and “Towards a More Perfect Union (1960-present),” it uses a rich array of artifacts, photos, and documents to showcase the multifaceted experiences of Chinese Americans while also reflecting on America’s journey as a nation of immigrants.

Another remarkable exhibition is “Fold: Golden Venture Paper Sculptures.” It features over 40 paper sculptures created by Chinese immigrants who were detained for years at the York County Prison after the 1993 grounding of the Golden Venture. This exhibition not only tells the story of undocumented immigrants but also sparks important conversations about immigration.

MOCA also hosts two to four temporary exhibitions annually. These cover a wide range of topics, from art and history to culture, like “Waves of Identity: 35 Years of Archiving” and “Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America.”

MOCA’s Collections

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States.

MOCA’s collections are a testament to the diverse lives of Chinese Americans. It has an extensive collection of documents, including letters, diaries, newspapers, magazines, and immigration papers. These provide invaluable first-hand insights into different aspects of their lives, from daily routines to significant historical events.

Among the collections are also everyday items like old-fashioned sewing machines, washboards, irons, hand-embroidered slippers, furniture, and tableware. These items offer a window into the daily lives and cultural traditions of Chinese Americans.

Special Collections

There are also some special collections. For example, the “9/11” collection consists of images, videos, oral histories, brochures, posters, and more collected in Chinatown after the 2001 attacks. The “Fly to Freedom” collection, with the paper sculptures from the Golden Venture passengers, and the Marcella Chin Dear collection are filled with textiles, old records, and various cultural items. And let’s not forget the Qipao/Cheongsam collection, which showcases the elegance of Chinese traditional clothing.

In conclusion, the Museum of Chinese in America is more than just a museum; it’s a living, breathing testament to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Chinese Americans throughout history. If you ever find yourself in New York, it’s a must-visit attraction!

Conclusion

MOCA is a national home for the precious narratives of diverse Chinese American communities and strives to be a model among interactive museums. MOCA not only educates the public about the Chinese American narrative but also challenges misconceptions, fostering a more inclusive understanding of American history.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious, MOCA is a destination that enriches our knowledge and broadens our perspectives on the vibrant tapestry of America.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to visit the Museum of Chinese in America?

The time needed for a visit can vary depending on your level of interest and how thoroughly you explore each exhibit. On average, visitors spend about 1-2 hours. However, if you want to read every plaque, view all the artifacts in detail, and perhaps participate in any guided tours or special activities available, you might spend up to 3 hours or more.

Q2: When was the Museum of Chinese in America built?

The Museum of Chinese in America was founded in 1980 as the “New York Chinatown History Project,” a community-based organization. It was officially established as a museum over time, with significant milestones in its development, such as relocating to a new, larger space designed by Maya Lin in 2009.