Chinese American Museum DC facts for kids
Interactive displays in museum lobby
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| Established | 2017 |
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| Location | 1218 16th St., NW Washington, D.C. |
| Type | Cultural museum |
| Public transit access | Red, Orange, and Blue Metro Lines |
The Chinese American Museum DC (CAMDC) is a special place in Washington, DC. It is a museum and a cultural center. CAMDC opened its doors in 2017. Its main goal is to share the amazing story of Chinese Americans. This includes their history, culture, and voices.
The museum is open to visitors. It has both live and online events. You can see permanent exhibits and special displays. The best part is that general admission is always free! You can check their website for visitor hours and upcoming programs.
Contents
About the Museum
Why CAMDC Was Started
CAMDC was founded in 2017 by a Chinese businessman named Philip Qiu. He wanted to create the first museum in Washington, D.C. dedicated to the Chinese American story. He believed this was important because Washington, D.C. is our nation's capital.
The museum is located in a historic five-story building. This building was given to the museum by Mr. Qiu. It is close to famous places like Embassy Row and the White House.
Focus of the Museum
The museum focuses on the History of Chinese in America. A big part of its story is about the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This was a law that stopped Chinese people from coming to the U.S. for many years. The museum works with the 1882 Foundation to teach about this time.
The main exhibit is an interactive timeline. It helps you learn about Chinese Americans through history.
Key Moments in CAMDC History
In 2018, CAMDC held its first big event. It was at the Willard Hotel. The museum also hosts an annual gala. At this event, they give out the Golden Lantern Award. This award honors important Chinese Americans.
By 2019, the museum finished its first permanent exhibits. These were in the lobby and on the first floor.
CAMDC was closed for a while in 2020 and 2021. This was because of the Coronavirus pandemic. But since 2022, CAMDC has been open to the public again!
What You Can See: Exhibits
Permanent Exhibits
The main exhibit at CAMDC is a digital timeline. It's interactive, meaning you can touch and explore it. It shows the history of Chinese people in America. You can learn about early Chinese American history. It also highlights important Chinese American people and their achievements today.
Other permanent displays teach about the California Gold Rush. Chinese people called this "Gold Mountain." You can also learn about the Transcontinental Railroad. Chinese workers played a huge part in building it. The Chinese Exclusion Act is also explained here.
One special display honors Chinese American Veterans of World War II. These brave individuals received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2018. CAMDC has also hosted speakers who share stories about World War II.
Temporary Exhibits
The second and third floors of the museum have changing exhibits. These are called temporary exhibits. They show different topics over time.
Some past exhibits have featured Chinese American women in history. Others have explored Chinese opera in America. There have been exhibits on visual poetry and calligraphy. You could also see beautiful embroidery and learn about early trade with China.
Current exhibits in 2023 include activist-photographer Corky Lee. There's also a display about actor and martial artist Bruce Lee. You can also see a collection of beautiful Qipao dresses.
Golden Lantern Award
The CAMDC honors important Chinese Americans. They give them the Golden Lantern Award. Some people who have received this award include:
- Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch
- Television journalist Connie Chung
- Astronaut Taylor Wang
- Advocate and CEO of TIME'S UP Now, Tina Tchen
- The inventor of the N95 mask technology, Dr. Peter Tsai
- Screenwriter Adele Lim (who wrote Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon)
Museum Promotion
The Chinese American Museum DC is promoted by Chinese state media. The museum's founder, Philip Qiu, has been quoted in China Daily. This is a Chinese state news organization. He also mentioned that the Embassy of China, Washington, D.C. supported their efforts.
CAMDC has also been featured by other Chinese government-owned media. These include SinoVision and CGTN.
