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, DC |
| Type | art, cultural, and American history museum |
| Public transit access | Red, Orange, and Blue Metro Lines |
The Chinese American Museum DC (abbreviated CAMDC) is a cultural museum, currently in development in Downtown Washington, DC established through the efforts of The Chinese American Museum Foundation and private benefactors. The museum focuses on the history of Chinese in America with an emphasis on the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, racial and social issues, cultural topics, and the achievements of past and contemporary Chinese Americans. The project began in late 2017, first with the bequest of a 1907 historic, 5-story building in the Embassy Row section of Washington four blocks north of the White House. On November 9, 2018, the project was first announced at an event at the Willard Hotel to a group of 160 people from museum, history, and Asian American and community leadership. The museum is currently open to visitors during its development.
Programs and Exhibits
In October of 2019, the museum completed the first phase of permanent exhibits for its reception lobby and first floor including a digital photo-wall featuring personal stories and images of "everyday" Chinese Americans as well as an interactive digital timeline highlighting historical dates, figures, and pivotal moments in Chinese American history. The museum also hosted two conferences and corresponding special, temporary exhibits including Chinese American Women in History and Safe Harbor: Shanghai, a lecture and exhibit on Jewish refugees that sought shelter in World War II Shanghai and later immigrated to the United States.
Currently, the museum is developing permanent exhibits that are divided into thematic sections: Identity and Diversity, Gold Mountain (California Gold Rush), Building America (railroads and early industry and commerce), Exclusion and the Fight for Equality, Chinese American Communities, Service to Country (military, civil, diplomatic, and uniformed service), and individual exhibits highlighting contemporary Chinese American figures and accomplishments. The next phase of the museum is expected to open in Spring of 2021.
