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May is Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month
Sean Otterspoor

In 1992, Congress established May as AAPI Heritage Month to coincide with two key milestones: the arrival of the nation’s first Japanese immigrants in May of 1843 and Chinese workers’ pivotal role in building the transcontinental railroad completed on May 10th, 1869. In 2021, a presidential proclamation expanded this to include Native Hawaiians. 

In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history. Explore Smithsonian events happening online and in person and find resources, podcasts, and collection items to learn more about AANHPI contributions.


https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/