Montgomery College Library is proud to join in the celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout history. This guide is dedicated to Asian Pacific American Heritage. Here, you will learn about Asian Pacific American history, stories, and receive several book and video recommendations. You will also find helpful research databases and resources from MC, as well as local, and national sources, all dedicated to Asian Pacific Americans.
Obon Festival, Senshin Gakuin and the Dharma School of the Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, California
Source: Skillman, Amy E. Obon Festival, Senshin Gakuin and the Dharma School of the Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, California. United States California Los Angeles, 1982. Los Angeles, California. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1993001_as_03/.
Chinese pharmacy, Los Angeles, California
Source: Detroit Photographic Co, photographer. Chinese pharmacy, Los Angeles, California. California Los Angeles, 1899. [Detroit: Detroit Photographic Co] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017645509/.
Miss April Lou, teacher at PS 1, Manhattan, with six Chinese children, recent arrivals from Hong Kong and Formosa, who are holding up placards giving his or her Chinese name (both in ideographs and in transliteration) and the name to be entered upon the official school records
Source: Palumbo, Fred, photographer. Miss April Lou, teacher at PS 1, Manhattan, with six Chinese children, recent arrivals from Hong Kong and Formosa, who are holding up placards giving his or her Chinese name both in ideographs and in transliteration and the name to be entered upon the official school records / World Telegram & Sun photo by Fred Palumbo. New York, 1964. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/94512334/.
The Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens in a largely Vietnamese neighborhood of Port Arthur, Texas
Source: Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. The Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens in a largely Vietnamese neighborhood of Port Arthur, Texas. United States Port Arthur Texas, 2014. -02-27. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2014630822/.
Deadwood, South Dakota. Champion Chinese hose team of America
Source: Deadwood, South Dakota. Champion Chinese hose team of America. , ca. 1888. July 4. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2018662401/.
Some of the hundreds of participants at the 10th-annual Hmong New Year Celebration in downtown Chico, California, pose.
Source: Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. Some of the hundreds of participants at the 10th-annual Hmong New Year Celebration in downtown Chico, California, pose. United States California Chico, 2012. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2013631121/.
Portrait of Anna May Wong
Source: Van Vechten, Carl, photographer. Portrait of Anna May Wong. , 1935. Sept. 22. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2004663757/.
Scene at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo partnered with the Confucius Institute at the University of Arizona, Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., and Tucson Chinese Cultural Center to bring more than 400 colorful, customized lantern displays to the zoo park.
Source: Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. Scene at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo partnered with the Confucius Institute at the University of Arizona, Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., and Tucson Chinese Cultural Center to bring more than 400 colorful, customized lantern displays to the zoo park. United States Tucson Arizona, 2019. -02-25. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2018703625/.
Representative Patsy Mink announces the formation of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus at a press conference with (left to right) Representatives Don Edwards and Norman Mineta, Guam Delegate Robert Underwood, and Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Neil Abercrombie.
Source: Patterson, Laura, Active Approximately, photographer. Representative Patsy Mink announces the formation of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus at a press conference with left to right Representatives Don Edwards and Norman Mineta, Guam Delegate Robert Underwood, and Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Neil Abercrombie. Washington D.C, 1994. [20 May] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2015645165/.
The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, near the town of Madrid in Boone County, Iowa
Source: Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, near the town of Madrid in Boone County, Iowa. United States Iowa Boone County, 2016. -08-16. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2016630539/.
Chinese dragon entry in the Battle of Flowers Parade, taken during the parade, San Antonio, Texas
Source: Baird, Scott J. Chinese dragon entry in the Battle of Flowers Parade, taken during the parade, San Antonio, Texas. United States San Antonio Texas, 1982. San Antonio, Texas. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1993001_sb_02/.
Korean and other Asian shops and organizations in the Lakewood neighborhood, Chicago, Illinois
Source: Choi, Chungmoo, and Jonas Dovydenas. Korean and other Asian shops and organizations in the Lakewood neighborhood, Chicago, Illinois. Illinois Chicago, 1977. Chicago, Illinois, - June 18, 1977. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1981004.145/.
Liliuokalani, the last sovereign of the Kamehameha dynasty that ruled the Hawaiian kingdom.
Source: Liliuokalani, the last sovereign of the Kamehameha dynasty that ruled the Hawaiian kingdom. Hawaii, ca. 1891. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017658685/.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Month Celebration
"The libraries in the Rockville region team up to bring you an all-day celebration for all ages!" - MCPL
Date: Sunday, May 18th, 2025
Time: 10:30am - 3:00pm
Location:
Rockville Memorial Library
21 Maryland Avenue,
Rockville, MD, 20850
Registration: Free/Not Required
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond
"Highlights the imprint of Asian Americans on the physical and cultural terrain of Washington, D.C. Presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, the exhibition is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum."
Date: September 7th, 2024 - November 30th, 2025
Time: Monday - Sunday from 11:30am - 7pm
Location:
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20004
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AAPI Heritage Month Celebration 2025
"As a part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated in May, the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) invites you and your whole family to our fourth-annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration! Join us for captivating cultural performances, discover resources in the AAPI community, participate in our health fair, kid-friendly activities, and explore the rich cultures of our diverse community!"
Date: Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location:
Seneca Valley High School
19401 Crystal Rock Drive,
Germantown, MD 20874
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AANHPI Heritage Month Kick-Off Event
Join us as we kick off AANHPI Heritage Month this May with a festive celebration! Enjoy cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Come celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant traditions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Date: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
Time: 11am - 2:30pm
Location:
Rockville Campus
Theatre Arts (TA) Arena
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Fireside Chat Career Series: Radical Hope Innovators and Trailblazers in the AANHPI Community
Join us for an Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) panel session. Hear the inspiring stories of these AANHPI professionals who are enhancing their fields.
This is a hybrid event and dinner will be provided for in-person attendees.
Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025
Time: 6pm - 8pm
6pm: Dinner for in-person guests
6:30pm - 8pm: Presentation
Location:
ignITe Hub
Montgomery College
MK 107
Registration Required
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Asian Cultural Crafts - Origami
Join us for a hands-on cultural event celebrating the art of origami—the traditional Japanese craft of paper folding.
Participants will explore the creativity of origami by learning to fold decorative paper flowers. Whether you're new to origami or already experienced, this event offers a fun and relaxing way to engage with a meaningful cultural tradition.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
Time: 11am - 12:30pm
Location: Rockville Campus, Student Services (SV) Atrium
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TaijiFit by MC Wellness
TaijiFit is a mind/body “exercise” that combines the best of traditional Taiji (Tai Chi) and QiGong movements, combined with modern music and easy instruction. It’s a workout appropriate for any age or fitness level that has you experiencing the FLOW (Tai Chi done smoothly, continuously and effortlessly connecting Body, Mind and Spirit) whether it’s your first class or 100th. There are no routines to learn, or set choreography to remember. You'll discover how to use TaijiFit for better balance, pain reduction and heart health. It’s more than just an exercise. It is also a moving meditation, a shield against disease, and a beautiful sensual dance that can make you sweat and smile at the same time.
Date: Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Location: Rockville Campus, Student Services Building (SV) 417
Each year, Montgomery College's Board of Trustees designates national and state of Maryland awareness days and months for MC to celebrate. To acknowledge and celebrate diversity, MC Library creates online guides and library displays for each awareness day or month designated by the Board.
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