First Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser

Honoring a Year of Groundbreaking History, Community, and Civic Storytelling

Join the nation’s first museum dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander history as we celebrate our inaugural year and raise the resources to carry our mission forward.

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A Historic Milestone

One Year of Impact

The AAPI History Museum, the nation’s first museum dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander history, opened its doors in March 2025 and has rapidly grown into a vital public institution serving Rhode Island and the broader AAPI community. This anniversary celebration is an opportunity to honor the broad ecosystem of supporters, scholars, and volunteers who made that first year possible, and to invest in the years ahead.

The evening will bring together community leaders, civic partners, elected officials, and friends of the museum for a program that weaves together storytelling, scholarship, cultural performance, and recognition of the individuals who have shaped this institution from the ground up.

AAPI History Museum event showcasing Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and cultural exhib.
2026 Honorees

Recognizing Transformative Leadership

These awards recognize the individuals and communities whose scholarship, advocacy, and generosity made the AAPI History Museum’s first year possible.

Dr. Jason Oliver Chang, Scholar Award

Director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at UConn, recognized for his foundational moral and financial support.

Dr. Diego Javier Luis, Founding Scholar Award

Honored for his critical contributions to the museum’s historical scholarship and narrative framework.

Dr. Catherine Ceniza Choy, Distinguished Public Historian Award

Author of Asian American Histories of the United States, helping situate the museum in the national conversation.

Dr. Chang C. Chen, Trailblazer in Legal Justice Award

Recognized for donating her multi-decade collection on Chinese American women’s legal history.

Providence Chinatown Legacy Family, Community Heritage Award

Recognized for preserving and sharing the vital history of Providence’s Chinatown.

Youth Leaders & Volunteers, Community Service Awards

Honoring Classical High School students, Evelynn L., and core volunteers who kept the museum’s doors open.
Evening Program

Event Timeline

The following schedule reflects the working program for the evening of April 11, 2026. All times are approximate and subject to adjustment as the event is finalized.

5:00-5:45 p.m.

Registration, Welcome Mixer, & Appetizers Served

5:45-6:00 p.m.

First Cultural Performance

6:00-6:30 p.m.

Program Opening & Opening Remarks

Naina Boveja

Emcee

Jeannie W. Salomon

Founder & Executive Director of AAPI History Museum

AAPI History Museum celebrates its first anniversary with a fundraising event.

Matthew Guterl

Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Brown University

6:30-6:45 p.m.

First Fireside Chat & Dinner Served

AAPI History Museum First Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser event.

Bethany Li

Legal Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

Celebrating AAPI Heritage at the First Anniversary Fundraiser.

Raj Vaswani

Attorney & Community Facilitator

6:45-7:20 p.m.

Introduction & Keynote Speaker

Asian American man in suit at AAPI History Museum anniversary event.

William Tong

Connecticut Attorney General

7:20-7:30 p.m.

Second Cultural Performance

7:30-7:55 p.m.

Second Fireside Chat

Woman at AAPI History Museum First Anniversary event, celebrating Asian American history.

Dr. Michi Fu

Professor of Clinical Psychology

Dr. Donna Demanarig

Professor of Clinical Psychology

7:55-8:00 p.m.

Viola Cultural Performance

8:00-8:30 p.m.

Awards Ceremony

8:30-9:00 p.m.

Silent Auction

Silent Auction

Bid to Support the Museum's Second Year

The silent auction is one of the most meaningful ways to support the AAPI History Museum’s continued growth. Every bid placed directly funds the programming, exhibitions, educational outreach, and community events that have made this museum a vital public resource in its first year.

Auction items will be available for viewing and bidding during the exhibit viewing period from 8:30 to 8:50 PM. Winners will be announced at 8:50 PM before the evening concludes. We invite you to browse the full catalog of items and their descriptions before the event so you are ready to bid on the night.

  • All proceeds support the museum's second year of programming and operations
  • Items span art, experiences, cultural goods, and exclusive opportunities
  • Bidding takes place in person during the exhibit viewing period
  • Your participation is a direct investment in AAPI history and community
  • Winners are announced at 8:50 PM before the evening concludes
Chinese calligraphy workshop with Jeannie Salomon at AAPI History Museum.
AAPI History Museum celebrates its first anniversary with a special event supporting Asian American.
AAPI History Museum celebrates its first anniversary with a fundraising event honoring Asian America.
AAPI History Museum celebrates its first anniversary with a community fundraiser event.
AAPI History Museum private yoga session promoting balance, strength, and inner peace for attendees.
Silent auction art event at AAPI History Museum, showcasing Asian American art.
Woman taking Mandarin language class at AAPI History Museum.

Full Auction Item List Will Be Available the Day of the Event. Stay Tuned!

With Deep Gratitude

Thank You to Our Community Sponsors

The AAPI History Museum’s first anniversary celebration would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of the individuals, organizations, and institutions who have stepped forward to make this evening a reality. Their investment is not simply a contribution to one night’s program but a commitment to the ongoing work of preserving, sharing, and celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander history for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and their belief in this mission.