The AAPI History Museum, the nation’s first museum dedicated to the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, is proud to announce its First Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser. This landmark event will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the historic Brown Faculty Club in Providence, Rhode Island. Join us for an evening of reflection, celebration, and community as we honor a year of significant impact and look toward a future of continued growth and storytelling.
A Year of Impact and Community
Since opening its doors in March 2025, the AAPI History Museum has quickly become a vital cultural and educational cornerstone in Rhode Island and beyond. In its inaugural year, the museum has welcomed thousands of visitors, from school groups representing diverse districts to civic leaders such as U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. Through powerful exhibits and community-centered programming, the museum has fostered a space for intergenerational learning, dialogue, and a more inclusive understanding of American history.
“This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the incredible community that has embraced this museum and to recognize that our history is America’s history,” says Jeannie Salomon, the Founder and Executive Director of the AAPI History Museum. “In just one year, we have created a space where the rich, diverse, and often untold stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are not only preserved, but are actively shaping how we understand our nation.”
Honoring an Ecosystem of Support
The celebration will recognize the broad ecosystem of individuals and groups whose scholarship, generosity, and dedication have been instrumental to the museum’s success. The honorees represent the diverse community that has championed the museum from its inception.
| Award Category | Honoree(s) |
|---|---|
| Foundational Support | Dr. Jason Oliver Chang, Dr. Diego Javier Luis, and the Providence Chinatown Legacy Family |
| Trailblazing Leadership | Dr. Chang C. Chen (邱彰) and Dr. Catherine Ceniza Choy |
| Youth & Community | Classical High School Student Leaders, a dedicated High School Intern, Evelyn L., and the AAPI History Museum Volunteers |
From a legal scholar who donated a lifetime collection of research on Chinese American women’s legal history to high school students who organized to keep the museum’s doors open, these honorees embody the spirit of community and civic engagement that defines the AAPI History Museum.
An Evening of Inspiration
The anniversary program will feature a keynote address by Bethany Li, the Executive Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). The evening will also include a fireside chat on justice and civic power moderated by attorney and community facilitator Raj Vaswani, and a discussion on care and resilience with psychologists Dr. Michi Fu and Dr. Donna Demanarig. The program will open with remarks from Brown University President Christina H. Paxson.
Q&A: Your Questions Answered
What is the AAPI History Museum?
The AAPI History Museum is the first museum in the United States dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich, diverse histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Through exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement, the museum works to foster a more inclusive understanding of the American story.
Why is this anniversary significant?
This event marks one year since the opening of the museum’s brick-and-mortar location in Providence. It celebrates a year of incredible growth, community support, and national recognition, and it serves as a fundraiser to sustain the museum’s vital work for the years to come.
Who is being honored at the event?
We are honoring a wide range of individuals and groups who have been foundational to our success. This includes scholars who provided early support, a legal trailblazer who donated a significant historical collection, and youth leaders and volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to the museum.
What can I expect at the event?
Guests will enjoy an evening of networking, a curated dinner, and an inspiring program of speakers and honorees. It is an opportunity to connect with community leaders, philanthropists, and fellow supporters of AAPI history and culture in the elegant setting of the Brown University Faculty Club.
How can I support the museum?
You can support the museum by purchasing tickets to the First Anniversary Celebration, becoming a sponsor, or making a donation. Your contribution will directly support the museum’s future exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The AAPI History Museum is already looking toward its next chapter. In mid-April, the museum will launch a new exhibit on “Chinese American Women’s Legal History,” drawing from the collection of honoree Dr. Chang C. Chen. On June 12, 2026, a new exhibit on the multiracial AAPI experience, “Mixed Heritage, One Providence,” will open, with a launch event that is free and open to the public.
Join Us
Be a part of this historic celebration and help us continue our important work. Your support ensures that the AAPI History Museum remains a vibrant public resource for generations to come.
About the AAPI History Museum
The AAPI History Museum exists to preserve and share AAPI histories through community-centered storytelling, ensuring these stories are seen, understood, and carried forward. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, the museum advances a more inclusive understanding of American history by preserving and sharing the diverse stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.