MUSEUM REFLECTIONS
These letters were penned by our visitors in the Reflection Corner, moved by what they saw and felt in the exhibits. Some wrote to the AAPI community, their younger or future selves, or loved ones — filling this space with words of reflection, remembrance, and hope.
They are anonymous, with no markers identifying the writer, in respect to each person’s privacy. It would be selfish of us not to share them with the community. These expressions are like threads in a larger tapestry — we can only see ourselves in it when we take in the whole.
Lovely museum. My favorite part was learning about AAPI history in Rhode Island and watching the videos within the solidarity section. Thank you so much for your work!
The care and attention given to every detail is truly inspiring and all the more impressive given you only opened last month! I’ve learned more in the last hour about asian american history than in the last five years. Wishing you great success!
I’m very pleased to see this space realized. I remember when Jeannie first approached me with the idea - it felt like such an exciting challenge. A year later, it’s good to know the project grew and went through many hands - it was always meant to be a dynamic and collaborative process and iterative design. I want a lot of things for us - our community, and this gives me a lot of hope.
I am so empowered and touched by the museum. It is something that RI has lacked and I applaud everyone who was a part of making this come true. WONDERFUL. The manager is so informative and welcoming.
Very touched by this museum! I find myself usually bored during museum visits, but learning more of something so deeply resonating to my identity was quite intriguing 🙂
Loved the identity section, informative and profound. Would be cool to see a 3d virtual reality simulation of Providence Chinatown back in the day
Thank you for this critical marker of public story telling. It’s so important that we learn these stories and pass them on to future generations. In gratitude + solidarity, E
To my Grandparents & Parents who worked tirelessly everyday to come to the US. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities you’ve provided me + the wisdom you have to share with me. I believe in your dream of a better life for me and for all those in our community. I hope that others will give you the respect + dignity you deserve.
Thank you for acknowledging the model minority myth + how it affects BIPOC. We all deserve + should show more empathy + grace ♥️
The stories and histories are both beautiful and tragic. This museum does an amazing job of telling these stories. Extremely informative while giving space for reflection. Thank you for sharing with the community.
History is very important to us. It is our past – and we should learn from it. It is embedded in our present, and we should cherish its positive influences. And it is a part of our future, as we seek for ways to not relive its darkest moments. Thank you for all of the hard work that went in to make this museum a reality. Best wishes for a bright future.
So much of Asian American history has been lost and not taught in schools. The work AAPI Museum does remembers that history!
Dear Jeannie, CONGRATULATIONS! It is wonderful to see this space come together. It is beautiful and important testament to your commitment to highlighting these histories and stories. The space contains the perfect mix of visual, narrative, & interactive elements. I am struck by the thoughtfulness of the installations; the space is accessible and appealing to folks of all ages. If I & Swearer can help spread the word please let me know.
Everything I see has been organized and display in such a thoughtful and loving way. I am seeing a labor of love. Thank you for sharing your vision. We are so happy it is finally hear.
Walking through this museum is such a valuable experience, particularly in a time where discrimination toward AAPI-identifying individuals is rampant throughout the country. The museum gives important voice to stories that have been erased and forgotten in American classrooms. Thank you for leading the way in this initiative.
How does one articulate experience? Quite a curious notion but let’s have a go, shall we? As you walk through the exhibits, read. The history - so overshadowed by those who tried and failed to silence us, you will feel pain and joys. Pain - for victims of violence and survivors of slaughter. For those who did not survive, who were destined to be forgotten, for those who suffered in silence because the white man cannot permit himself to feel guilt for this violence. And love and joy - for those who persevered, for those who broke the mould, for those who gave voices to the voiceless and platforms for those who were told they could not stand. This museum is a mosaic, a voice, a cry that says We Are Still Here. And so as you leave this experience, look around at those who blend in, and ask yourself. What is Their Story?
As I sit here reflecting on what I’ve just read about and learned about, it’s hard not to feel a wave of emotions. For the past, young version of myself: I feel shame, guilt for being so naive, ignorant. I’m guilty of celebrating the Asian community for the academics, cuisine, etc. I know there were stereotypes and hate, but never took the time to truly understand and educate myself. I read some books in my 20s that gave me more perspective on Vietnam + Cambodia, but still not the discrimination + hate happening in our own country. For the current, present version of myself: I’m humbled - I need to learn more, but also proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone + educating myself now. To be an ally and not turn a blind eye to the current discrimination that happens and to be part of the change that bridges the gaps of different cultures and ideas. It’s ok to not know everything, but you need to ask questions, get curious + comfortable with being uncomfortable. Thank you for creating this space. We can do hard things!