Chinatown Show and Tell (Summer Sightlines Saturday Feature Program)

Learn about the history and legacies of Chinatowns across the East Coast with speakers from D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.

About this Event

Historically, Chinatowns have served as vibrant hubs of culture, entrepreneurship, and community. However, the landscape of these historic neighborhoods has changed drastically to adapt to displacement, rising cost of living, and current community needs.

Part of our Sightlines Saturday series, this program explores the histories and futures of Chinatowns across the U.S. Featured speakers will share a personal object and story reflecting their connection to Chinatown and their ongoing work in those communities. The presentations will be followed by a conversation focusing on the current challenges and aspirations facing Chinatowns today.

Speakers:

• John Chin (Executive Director, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation)
• Yin Kong (Director and Co-Founder, Think!Chinatown)
• Wallace Lee (Chinese Youth Club)
• Ursula Liang (Director and Producer, 9-Man Documentary)

Moderator: Ted Gong (Executive Director, 1882 Foundation)

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Accessibility Information: The Smithsonian American Art Museum's McEvoy Auditorium is wheelchair accessible and includes elevator access. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided during the program.

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Summer Sightlines Saturdays are part of the exhibition, which showcases the historical, cultural, and creative connections of Asian Americans to Washington, D.C. Join us for a double-header in July--two special programs focusing on two central themes of the exhibition: martial arts and Chinatowns.

Learn more about the event that took place on Saturday, July 12.

The Sightlines exhibition is presented by the and on view at the through November 30, 2025.

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Notice of Filming and Photography: Sightlines Saturday programs will be photographed, filmed, and recorded.

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