May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.
In the Realm of the Buddha
Enter the Realm of the Buddha by attending exhibition-related events such as Buddhist-themed films, exhibition tours, a dance performance, talks, and the making of a sand mandala.
Global Sounds - Asia
The Smithsonian's Global Sound project brings together traditional music from around world. Presentations for Asian-Pacific Heritage month include music from the countries along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia as well as songs and chants that record the ancient oral history of Hawaii.
Veterans History Project
Asian Pacific Americans made lasting contributions to America’s wartime efforts. Collected stories highlight service from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.
For Teachers
Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse ready-to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids.
Event Highlights
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May 1 - 31
Special Exhibition Tour: In the Realm of the Buddha
Join a docent-led tour of this special exhibition.
(Smithsonian, Freer and Sackler Galleries) -
May 7
Asian Pacific American Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival
A day of arts-and-crafts demonstrations featuring Laotian knot tying, Indian rangoli designs, Korean calligraphy, Mongolian watercolor and much more.
(Smithsonian, Natural History Museum) - May 14
Film
There will be a screening of “The Patsy Mink Story: Ahead of the Majority,” a documentary film by Kimberlee Bassford about the first U.S. Congresswoman from Hawaii.
(Library of Congress) - May 17
Lecture
Narrative of Return: Images from an Asian-American Odyssey
Patricia Chu, associate professor of English, George Washington University, and Lee Ewing, photographer, National Gallery of Art
(National Gallery of Art) -
May 26
Keynote Speech
“Cultural Stewardship in Asian Pacific American Communities” by Franklin Odo, founding director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Program.
(Library of Congress)