Following bills passed in both the House and Senate in 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially made the first week of May Asian/ Pacific Heritage Week. The holiday was later expanded to include the entire month of May in 1990. May is a particularly significant month for celebrating Asian Pacific American heritage because the first Japanese immigrated to the United States on May 7, 1843. In addition, May marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869), and a majority of the workers who laid the railroad's tracks were Chinese immigrants.
In honor of this year's celebration, explore China's artistic diaspora, the hula tradition and the work of Chinese immigrants on the frontier. Discover music of the Mekong River, and learn about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations at the Smithsonian and around the country.
Children of the Vietnam War
Born overseas to Vietnamese mothers and U.S. servicemen, Amerasians brought hard-won resilience to their lives in America
By David Lamb
The Legends Behind the Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, Duanwu Jie honors storied history with culinary treats
By Jeninne Lee-St. John
Ka’iulani: Hawaii’s Island Rose
In a brief life filled with loss, Princess Ka’iulani established her legacy
By Janet Hulstrand
Jung and Zongzi Recipe
Learn how to cook this traditional Chinese delicacy in a family recipe passed down from older generations
By Jeninne Lee-St. John
Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dances the Asian American Experience
Internationally recognized choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess sits down with Smithsonian's Joseph Caputo to discuss his performance at the American Art Museum.
By Joseph Caputo
Liquid Gold
By using gold and other precious metals, MIT graduate Michael Wong hopes to clean up our water supply.
By William Booth
Primed for Success
Terence Tao is regarded as first among equals among young mathematicians, but who's counting
By Dana Mackenzie
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RedditAt the Smithsonian
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At the SmithsonianCelebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Smithsonian Institution |
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Nationwide EventsCelebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month around the country |
Photo Gallery
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BhutanSlideshow of life in Bhutan |
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The Many Chinatowns of North AmericaOver many decades, Chinese-American William M. Chu has photographed Chinatowns, highlighting their architecture, monuments and food |
Special Section
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Destination AsiaTravel across the continent and discover all it has to offer through articles, video, quiz questions and slideshows |
Travel with Smithsonian
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Lands of the Great Buddha by Private Jet Celebrate Buddhism's cultural treasures in China, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia |
