Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This May, we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI communities throughout history. What began in 1978 as a weeklong observance—chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrants—was expanded to a full month in 1992.
We invite you to explore the programs we have this month that honor and uplift the diverse stories, voices, and legacies that have helped shape our nation.
BrainFood: Stories from the Collections—Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
12 pm
- Huxley Theater
Join us for a special BrainFood lunchtime lecture as we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through the unique lens of our cultural collections. This engaging program will feature short presentations from across the Office of Cultural Education, showcasing selected items that…
Lanterns of Chinatown: A Family Crafting Experience
May 25, 2025
1-3 pm
- New York Metropolis Hall
Explore the legacy of Tuck High Co., a beloved store that stood at the heart of Chinatown for over a century, and discover how it supported generations of Chinese immigrants. Then, tap into your creativity as you design and craft your own lantern to take home. Whether you're wishing for good luck,…
Special Screening: Asian Americans Generation Rising and Breaking Through
May 27, 2025
12 pm
- Huxley Theater
Join us this May for a powerful screening series in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Each week, we’ll explore a different chapter in American history through the acclaimed WETA for PBS series Asian Americans, a bold and personal five-part documentary that reshapes… Generation Rising
During a time of war and social tumult, a young generation fights for equality in the fields, on campuses, and in the culture, and claim a new identity: Asian Americans. The war’s aftermath brings new immigrants and refugees who expand the population and the definition of Asian…