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Asian Pacific American Heritage : Home

MC Library's guide for Asian Pacific American heritage

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Established 1992

Montgomery College Library is proud to join in the celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout history. 

This guide features Montgomery College books to read and videos to watch to learn more about Asian Pacific American Heritage.

There are links to relevant research databases and subject guides, as well as MC, local, and national resources dedicated to Asian Pacific American Heritage.

Understanding Asian Pacific American Heritage

Why Do We Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?

MC Library Asian Pacific American Heritage Displays

MC Library GT Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage display
MC Library TPSS Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage display

Historical Asian Pacific American Heritage Images

Obon Festival, Senshin Gakuin and the Dharma School of the Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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/.

Event Details

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Kickoff Festival

Every year, the AANAPIHM Planning Committee hosts a kick-off event to mark the beginning of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May) Celebration at the College. The event includes exhibits, presentations, entertainment, and food for students and employees.

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Time: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Location: Montgomery College Rockville Campus - Theatre Arts (TA) Arena

51 Mannakee Street 

Rockville, MD 20850

Registration: None

Contact: APAHPlanningCommittee @montgomerycollege.edu


AANAPISI Professionals Panel

The panel will delve into the important initiatives that support and elevate the visibility of AANAPI students and employees. Panelists include Dr. Janelle Wong, Ms. Jocelyn Park, Dr. Joe Stumpf, and Ms. Kimmy Duong.

Date: May 2, 2024

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m

Location: Zoom

Registration: None

Contact: APAHPlanningCommittee @montgomerycollege.edu


Celebrating Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Achievements in STEM

Join ignITe Hub for an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPI) in STEM – panel session. Hear the inspiring stories of these AANAPI professionals who are enhancing the field of STEM.

Date: May 6, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom & Montgomery College Rockville Campus - Mannakee (MK) Building 109

51 Mannakee Street 

Rockville, MD 20850

Registration: Required - FREE

Contact: APAHPlanningCommittee @montgomerycollege.edu


Origami: A Mother’s Day Celebration

 Attend this event to learn about origami and fold some roses to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Date: May 9, 2024

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Montgomery College Rockville Campus - Mannakee (MK) Building Room 122

51 Mannakee Street 

Rockville, MD 20850

Registration: None

Contact: APAHPlanningCommittee @montgomerycollege.edu


IlluminAsia

Join us for the NMAA’s annual IlluminAsia festival in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Features Asia After DarkCare Fair & Market, and Mother's Dat at NMAA.

Date: May 10 - 12 2024

Time: Varies.

Location: National Museum of Asian Art 

1050 Independence Ave

Southwest Washington, DC 20004

Registration: Recommended, but not required - FREE

Contact: asiaprograms@si.edu


LOC: May Family Day

The Family Day on Saturday, May 11 will feature stories from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the Library’s collections. Planned activities invite you to creatively share your family's history and experiences. 

Date: May 11, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building - Great Hall - 2nd Floor

10 1st Street SE

Washington, DC 20540

Registration: Required - FREE

Contact: visit@loc.gov


Author Chat with Nghi Nguyen

Author Nghi Nguyen, also known by the pen name N.N. Nicky, delves into the inspirations and backgrounds behind his debut novel, Red Oak: A Collection of Short Stories.

Date: May 15, 2024

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Registration: None

Contact: APAHPlanningCommittee @montgomerycollege.edu

More Events and Special Topics Guides

Want to learn more? View our other events and special topics guides:

MC Library Events and Special Topics Guides