The AAPI History Museum is turning one, and this anniversary is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a celebration of a vibrant community, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a commitment to preserving the rich, diverse histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. As we prepare for our First Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser on April 11, 2026, we are reflecting on the incredible journey of the past year and the community that made it all possible.
A Space for Belonging and Remembrance
In a world where our communities continue to face challenges to our safety and sense of belonging, creating spaces for remembrance and connection is more important than ever. The AAPI History Museum was founded to be such a space: a place to learn, to share, and to see our histories reflected with the dignity and care they deserve.
As Bethany Li, Executive Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, so powerfully states:
“At a time when Asian American communities are confronting renewed attacks on our safety, dignity, and belonging, remembering and honoring our history is not optional—it is essential. Institutions like the AAPI History Museum help us understand how past struggles inform the challenges we face today, while reminding us of the resilience, leadership, and creativity that have always sustained our communities.”
This anniversary is a celebration of that resilience and a renewed promise to continue this vital work.
The Power of Women’s Leadership and Collaboration
This year’s celebration places a special focus on the immense contributions of women, whose leadership has so often been the backbone of our communities. From advocacy and caregiving to cultural stewardship, women have been at the forefront of the AAPI experience.
“This year’s program centers around women’s leadership because so much of AAPI history, our advocacy, caregiving, organizing, and cultural stewardship, has been carried by women,” says Jeannie Salomon, the museum’s Founder and Executive Director. “As we mark our first anniversary, we’re celebrating that legacy and raising support to ensure these stories are preserved, taught, and shared with the rigor and visibility they deserve.”
The spirit of collaboration is also central to our mission. We are honored to partner with organizations like the Asian American Psychological Association’s (AAPA) Division on Women, whose work in preserving oral histories is vital. Dr. Michi Fu, a key leader in this project, shares her perspective:
“The Asian American Psychological Association’s (AAPA) Division on Women’s (DoW) Digital HerStory project has been highlighting the voices of AAPA’s feminist leadership and believes preserving such stories is an important legacy to benefit generations to come. The AAPA/DoW Digital HerStory project is excited to collaborate with the AAPI History Museum for its first anniversary celebration by offering a sneak peek of our oral histories project during a fireside conversation focused on leadership in practice.”
Support the Future of AAPI History
While our anniversary celebration is an important moment to gather and reflect, the work of preserving and sharing our histories extends far beyond a single evening. This is a movement to build an institution that will endure for generations.
Your support is crucial in helping us continue this work. By contributing to the museum, you are investing in a future where AAPI stories are not just remembered but are woven into the very fabric of American history. You are helping to fund educational programs, care for our collections, and ensure that the museum remains a vibrant and accessible space for all.
Join us in building this legacy. Support the AAPI History Museum today and become a part of the story.