Chinese American Historical Museum Celebrates 35th Anniversary
CELEBRATION HERALDING 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHINESE AMERICAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM IN HISTORY SAN JOSE PARK.
BY Gerrye Wong August 2026
The Chinese Historical and Cultural Project is celebrating a Double Happiness occasion. On September 19, 2026 on a large stage placed in the outdoor plaza at History San Jose park, it will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the September day in 1991 when the organization gifted to the City of San Jose a replica of the original1888 Ng Shing Gung building which was the last standing building of the last large Chinatown community in mid 1940s. The building was developed as the Chinese American Historical Museum, (CAHM) showcasing exhibits on Chinese American history in Santa Clara Valley. With great ceremony, accepting the gift of the building to the City of the San Jose was Mayors Susan Hammer and Tom McEnery in 1991. It has stood proudly since as a star attraction for lovers of the history of Santa Clara Valley and San Jose’s Chinese American communities
Caption: Lion Dancers will open the program of the Double Happiness Anniversary. Co founders Lillian Gong-Guy & Gerrye Wong open museum 1991
As a part of the Double Happiness theme, the CHCP will also celebrate the fifth Anniversary of the proclaiming by the City of San Jose of a Resolution of Apology for the harsh actions and wrong doings of the city of San Jose and its citizens to the Chinese communities in the past . In 2021, in the outdoor Circle of Palms Plaza, in the original spot of San Jose’s first Chinatown in downtown San Jose, then San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Council member Raul Peralez presented the Resolution to CHCP representatives Connie Young Yu and Gerrye Wong before hundreds of supporters, and worldwide press coverage.
Caption: In 2021 San Jose officials present Resolution of Apology to Chinese community.
On September 19, the public is invited to celebrate with the CHCP members these two remarkable anniversaries in Chinese American history books.
The celebration will include a program emceed by author and TV newswoman Dion Lim, with opening remarks by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Also proclaiming this an important part of Santa Clara County history will be California Assemblyman Patrick Ahrens, and other city and county officials.
The Chinese American Historical Museum opens for Anniversary. Emcee Dion Lim & Assemblyman Patrick Ahrens CC
Following the anniversaries ceremony, on stage will be continual musical entertainment by local Asian artists and musicians, featuring California Performing Arts cultural dances, Dagu Chinese Women Taiko drum corps, and Chinese yo yo demonstration. CHCP’s own Hoong the Dragon and famed Chinese Lion Dancers will open the program and Yun Yee Tong 10 foot Chinese Dragon Team will follow to wish good fortune to all present and for the Chinese American Museum’s future.
Visitors can visit the majestic 1888 altar on CAHM second floor
For families, there will be a Children’s Craft Corner where members of the Ch Am Circle women’s club will be helping youngsters make souvenirs celebrating the Year of the Horse. CHCP Board members, Trustees and Student volunteers will welcome visitors into the museum adjoining the central Plaza, named after CHCP’s co-founder Lillian Gong-Guy. A new exhibit will be premiered on the Resolution of Apology presentation in 1991 in the museum. A newly updated traveling exhibit on Chinese in Santa Clara Valley will be unveiled that day.
The shining attraction of the CAHM will and has always been the restored original 1888 golden altar that was historically in the original Ng Shing Gung building (1888-1945) . As shown, it is the largest and oldest existing Chinese altar on display in the United States for the past three decades , and visited by thousands of visitors since its opening 35 years ago. Light refreshments will be on hand, courtesy of the CHCP. A Chinese Food Truck will be on site for the heartier eaters. In History San Jose are many other museums of different ethnicities for people to see and visit as many are in historic homes once dwelled by San Jose inhabitants.
Free to the public the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project welcomes all to join in this historic anniversary and enjoy a day of Chinese American history and culture. Info: www.chcp.org
History San Jose Park , 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose CHCP Double Happiness Anniversary Celebration
Commemoration Ceremony opening with MC Dion Lim, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and California Assemblyman Patrick Ahrens 12:00 pm.
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