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. This program will recognize the history and legacies of Chinatowns across the East Coast.
Featured speakers will bring an object to share a story about their personal connections to and their current work in East Coast Chinatown neighborhoods. Following their presentations, speakers will engage in a moderated discussion led by Ted Gong, Executive Director of the 1882 Foundation, reflecting on the current state of Chinatowns and their hopes for the future.
List of speakers forthcoming.
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Accessibility Information: 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 Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond 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.
Reserve your free ticket(s) here for DC Martial Arts History Showdown on Saturday, July 12.
The Sightlines exhibition is presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum through November 30, 2025.
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Notice of Filming and Photography: Sightlines Saturday programs will be photographed, filmed, and recorded.
