The first celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage was made on the week beginning on May 4, 1979, when President Jimmy Carter signed Proclamation 4650 to commemorate the contributions and accomplishments of Asian/Pacific Americans. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush. extended the week-long celebration to the month-long celebration. May was designated to be Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Do you know May 7th and May 10th have special significance in the history of Asian Pacific Americans?
The first documented Asian American who sailed to New Bedford harbor under Captain William Whitfield in 1843.
Author and lecturer who served in the US Army during WWI. His case of naturalization reflects how America begins to understand citizenship.
Eleven thousands Chinese workers helped build the Transcontinental Railroad in the middle of the 19th century.
As the first female gunnery office in the US. Navy, Lieutenant Cuddy enriched the Asian American woman identity.
Olympic medal winner, the extraordinary surfer Duke was considered the father of modern surfing.
Martial artist who was credited for introducing the western world modern mixed martial art through American films.
World champion and Olympic medalist in figure skating, Yamaguchi was a third-generation descendant of Japanese immigrants.
Through a plethora of published works, Tan explored the boundaries of American identity and helped bridge the gap between eastern and western cultures.
Former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders shared her story as an immigrant.
As an American Astronaut, Polansky is one of the many who have made contributions and been making contributions to American Transportation history.
AAPI Leaders in STEM
Focusing on six AAPI STEM pioneers: Dr. Ted Fujita, Jerry Yang, Reshma Saujani, Satya Nadella, Ellison Onizuka and Chien-Shiung Wu.
"As the nation’s storyteller, the National Park Service strives to tell the stories of ordinary and extraordinary Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders preserved in our nation’s parks, memorials, and historic sites."
Downtown Historic District, Washington D.C.
Nan Madol, Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia,
Rohwer Relocation Center Memorial, AK.
George Nakashima Woodworker Complex, PA.
Stedman-Thomas Historic District, AK.
To find more historic site, see Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Places.
Originally created by: Ru "Lucy" Ngu
Currently maintained by: Loan Nguyen
First published: 2021
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