Monthly Newsletter | November 2021 |
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The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am to 2pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Please come visit us during our open hours!
Wednesday & Friday: 9:30am to 2pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Closed Christmas Day.
Group visits by appointment only.
Masks are still required for all individuals entering the building regardless of each individual’s vaccination status. We also continue to encourage physical distancing in all our spaces. We will closely monitor the pandemic situation and may extend the reopening to more weekdays in the coming months. We have established protocols to ensure the safely of our visitors, volunteers, and staff.
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| From the Executive Director |
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November is a month of gratitude! National Gratitude Month in November encourages us to embrace the power of gratitude.
We are so grateful for the military service of Chinese American veterans that we created a new expanded exhibit, Chinese American Veterans: Unsung Heroes to honor them, and invited some of them and/or their families to the opening ceremony of the exhibit.
We are very grateful for the support of our members, donors, auction bidders and friends. With their support, we met the goal for our Annual Fundraiser.
Today is Giving Tuesday. Every year the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is #GivingTuesday! On this National Day of Generosity, Americans contribute to their favorite non-profits. Our museum is a 501c3 non-profit museum located in Chicago Chinatown. Please consider to support us on this special day. You can find us by typing “Chinatown Museum Foundation” in the search box of the #GivingTuesday 2021 official page here or simply click on the donate/support button below to make a donation.
We are in the process of printing our new 2022 brochure which will be sent out to our members and donors soon. Please keep an eye on your mailbox.
We continue to be grateful for your support throughout the years.
Ben Lau
Executive Director
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| November Highlights |
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Annual Fundraiser and Online Auction |
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After an exciting night of storytelling, performances, and an online auction, we met our fundraiser goal! Thank you to all who tuned in and supported us, we could not have done it without you. If you missed our Annual Fundraiser or would like to re-watch the festivities, you can do so on our YouTube channel by clicking the button below. |
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A special thank you also to our online auction winners:
Behind-the-scenes CAMOC Exclusive: Mary Young
Picnic Package: Judy SooHoo
Getaway Package 1: John Hsiao
Getaway Package 2: Mark Johnson
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Opening Ceremony of
"Chinese American Veterans: Unsung Heroes"
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On Saturday, November 6, CAMOC held a ceremony for the opening of our new exhibition Chinese American Veterans: Unsung Heroes. Veterans and their families, community members, and other guests gathered at the Museum to honor their legacies. Our new exhibition tells the stories of Chinese American veterans, some of which lived and continue to live in Chicago Chinatown. Though their sacrifices, often went unrecognized throughout history, this exhibition puts a spotlight on their incredible stories. |
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Above: Chicago Dragons Athletic Association lion dance
Right: Chicago Chinatown American Legion Post 1003 presenting colors
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Exhibition Chair
Soo Lon Moy
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IL State Representative Theresa Mah |
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25th Ward Alderman
Byron Sigcho Lopez
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Chinese American Citizens Alliance Chicago Lodge President Ivy Lam |
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PowerPoint of Lew Yee June (Pfc. Lew) Presenter
Patricia Lofthouse
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Photos above and left show Board Directors, VIPs, presenter and veteran giving remarks.
Left: Vietnam War Army Veteran Philip Chan
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The exhibition is on view now. Please stop by and learn the fascinating stories of Chinese American veterans. We hope to see you soon!
Bottom photo: Exhibition & Collections volunteers, staff and friends from left to right: Sheffe Lulkin, Aileen Sanford, President Ed Jung, Immediate Past President & Exhibition Chair Soo Lon Moy, Judy SooHoo, Board Director Rich Frachey, Vice President Mabel Menard, Curator Riley Ren, Susan Lee Moy, Collections Chair Andrea Stamm, Executive Director Ben Lau; Front: Viable Shum
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Screening & Discussion of
"Hollywood Chinese"
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On Wednesday, November 3, CAMOC hosted a virtual discussion of "Hollywood Chinese" in partnership with the Chinese American Museum DC, San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University, and OCA Greater Chicago. There were over 200 people attended.
"Hollywood Chinese" is produced, directed, written and edited by Academy Award® nominee and triple Sundance award-winning filmmaker, Arthur Dong (Licensed to Kill, Coming Out Under Fire, Forbidden City, U.S.A.), who did a presentation during the discussion with lots of precious photos and movie clips.
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Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Time: 7 - 8:30pm CST
Location: Virtual
Tickets: $5
Talk Stories returns this December! Join us in celebrating another wonderful year of storytelling and community building through Talk Stories. The series was created with the idea that everyone has stories to tell, and that everyone should have the opportunity to share. This event, with a lineup from around the globe, is particularly urgent as we face multiple national and global crises, including the exacerbation of anti-Asian racism under the global pandemic. You don't want to miss this show!
Tickets are $5. Proceeds go to performers, production costs, and co-sponsoring organizations.
Our storytellers include the following:
Pooja Chawla
Saray Cubacub
Danielle De Vera
Arvin A. Jalandoon
Minky Kim
Laura Kina
Jessica Nguyen
Mimi Yang
Talk Stories is co-sponsored by the following organizations:
AFIRE Chicago
Asian Health Coalition
Chinese American Museum of Chicago
Chinese American Service League
Japanese American Service Committee
KAN-WIN
National Cambodian Heritage Museum
OCA Chicago
Talk Stories is produced and hosted by Ada Cheng.
About the producer and host:
Ada Cheng is a professor-turned storyteller, solo performer, and storytelling producer. She has been featured in storytelling shows and done her two solo performances all over the country. She is the producer and the host of five storytelling shows, including Pour One Out: A Monthly Storytelling Series, Am I Man Enough?, Talk Stories: An Asian American/Asian Diaspora Storytelling Show, Speaking Truths Series, and This Is America: Truths through My Body.
Her motto: Make your life the best story you tell.
Check out her website here.
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Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
Race: The Al Young Story
No Ordinary Joe: The Allen Joe Story
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Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Time: 2 - 3:15pm CST
Location: Virtual
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) is excited to present a FREE double feature screening of Race: The Al Young Story and No Ordinary Joe: The Allen Joe Story. The documentaries spotlight the incredible personal journeys of two courageous Chinese Americans. Race: The Al Young Story (2017) features Al Young, who overcame a learning disability and Asian American stereotypes, to become the first Asian American world champion drag racer. No Ordinary Joe: The Allen Joe Story (2018) features Allen Joe, the first Chinese American bodybuilding champion, as well as mentor and friend to martial arts legend Bruce Lee.
Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion with filmmaker Rick Quan, drag racer and subject of the first documentary Al Young, and Bruce Lee collector Jeff Chinn, whose collection will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at the Chinese Historical Society of America. The discussion will be moderated by Larry Lee, Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This includes a Q&A section and a chance to chat directly with the panelists! The documentaries are both 21 minutes long and in English. Please register by clicking the button below.
This screening and panel discussion is hosted in partnership with San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University, the Chinese American Heritage Foundation, and OCA Greater Chicago.
About the filmmaker:
Rick Quan is a two-time Emmy award winning broadcaster with more than 30 years of local television experience. He started Rick Quan Productions in 2008 and has produced videos for numerous non-profits, including the Chinese Historical Society of America and Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream foundation. Rick is currently the 10pm news anchor for the ABC affiliate in Honolulu, Hawaii. He has produced the award-winning documentaries, Dancing through Life: The Dorothy Toy Story and Mayor Ed Lee.
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| Become a Member Today! |
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Becoming a member is a simple and effective way to get involved with the Chinese American Museum of Chicago. Your membership represents a personal investment in the Museum and ensures the continuation of the wide array of quality exhibitions, programs, and events we bring to the community. In addition, you are affirming the importance of the Museum’s commitment to bring the Chinese American experience in the Midwest to as many people as possible.
$150 = Free event admission for member & 3 guests for 1 year
$100 = Free event admission for member & 1 guest for 1 year
$60 = Free event admission for member only for 1 year
$30 = Free event admission for seniors & students for 1 year
$500 = Corporate Membership for 1 year (with 10 individual memberships, recognition in program & on plaque)
For Members who support us beyond the basic level, we offer extra recognition and the following benefits:
$250 = Bronze (Honorary Membership)
$500 = Silver (Honorary Membership)
$1,000 = Gold (Lifetime Membership or a small donor brick)
$1,500 = Platinum (Lifetime Membership and a small donor brick)
$5,000 = Diamond (Large donor brick)
$5,500 = Jade (Large donor brick plus Lifetime Membership)
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TOP:
Large Brick
7.5" X 7.5"
LEFT:
Donor Wall in Front Lobby
BOTTOM:
Small Brick
3.5" X 7.5"
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You can read the full list of benefits on our website by clicking the button below. There are also instructions on how to join at the bottom of the page, along with the Membership Form. |
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We are looking for dedicated, reliable, and energetic individuals who would like to experience our historic institution from the inside — as volunteers! We need volunteers for docents, greeters and special events. If you are interested in volunteering for us, please use the button below to visit our related page and download a volunteer form. |
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Do you have any thoughts on a possible program, a collection to donate, or a fundraising idea for our Museum? Please let us know! We value and welcome your input on how we can continue to provide great programming and resources for our community. If you would like to share an idea, please contact us at office@ccamuseum.org. |
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| Special Collection |
CAMOC Together Against COVID-19
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An old Chinese saying, 時勢造英雄 (Shíshì zào yīngxióng ), which means a hero is made in the time of misfortune aptly describes how people rally together in the pandemic. During this challenging time we are deeply moved by the proactive steps and incredible acts of generosity and support exhibited by the Chinese Americans. Thousands of individuals and organizations have been raising money, donating personal protective equipment, and providing free meals to those in need, especially to front-line healthcare workers and others. CAMOC is inviting you to help us preserve these heroic moments by sharing the stories to our Together Against Covid-19 Special Collection.
CAMOC started this special collection with the goal of recording the experiences and stories of individuals, families, and organizations during these unprecedented times. The Together Against Covid-19 Collection will include various forms of content, which can be photos, videos, articles, audios, letters, paintings, certificates, or any form you can think of. If you are not sure whether your content fits our collection or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please send your story to covid19@ccamuseum.org , with the subject Together Against Covid-19 Collection. And please include your contact information , including full name, organization or community if applicable, email, phone number, and mailing address.
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| Support us through AmazonSmile |
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You can help us continue our work and mission by selecting "CHINATOWN MUSEUM FOUNDATION" from the Charitable Organization List when you make a purchase on Amazon. There is no cost to you but it will make a difference to us. |
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About Us
The mission of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago - Raymond B. & Jean T. Lee Center (CAMOC) is is to advance the appreciation of Chinese American culture through exhibitions, education, and research and to preserve the past, present, and future of Chinese Americans primarily in the Midwest.
The museum building, formerly the Quong Yick Co., is located in Chicago's Chinatown, at 238 West 23rd Street in Chicago. The Museum opened to the public on May 21, 2005. After a devastating fire in September of 2008, the Museum was closed for renovation and reopened in 2010.
CAMOC is governed by the Board of Directors of the Chinatown Museum Foundation (CMF), a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation located in Chicago, Illinois.
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