LOS ANGELES – May is the month of the cultural heritage of the islands of Asia-Pacific. The Sino-American Museum at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument stands as the first and only museum in Southern California dedicated to sharing the history of the Sino-American experience in Los Angeles. The museum opened in December 2003 and is the site of the original Chinatown in Los Angeles, reflecting the development of an immigrant history that began more than 150 years ago, when the first large Chinese settlement in Los Angeles was recorded. In the years since its opening, Chinese-American families and businesses have donated their favorite items to the museum. CAM received items ranging from antique furniture and children’s toys, furniture and herbal supplies to traditional wedding dresses. Museum staff were entrusted with delicate, faded photographs and yellowed letters from loved ones in China. Elderly Chinese Americans shared their memories of growing up in Old Chinatown, which were recorded on cassette tapes. The inauguration of the museum was made possible by the generous support of the City of Los Angeles, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site, community organizations, public and private sponsors, and countless donors, contributors, and volunteers. To learn more, visit the China American Museum website by clicking or clicking here.
