A Message From AIISF's Executive Director |
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As always, November marks an important time of year for all of us. Earlier this month, as a nation, we cast our votes for political leadership at the local, state, and national levels. While we are still awaiting the results of some of these races, one thing is clear -- there is much work to be done to heal the divides in our nation.
At AIISF, we believe that we are destined to repeat history, much of it unpleasant and unproductive, if we do not learn from our past. We are in an excellent position to offer historical insights that can raise awareness about important histories, build empathy for the journeys that immigrants have taken, and inform current discussions.
One way that we accomplish these impacts is through the onsite and virtual exhibits that we develop in collaboration with Angel Island State Park. I’m excited to share that after a brief delay, exhibit installation at the Angel Island Immigration Museum began this week. These exhibits focus on three themes and topics: 1) the history of US immigration policy, 2) the intersections of public health and immigration policy; and 3) the stories and contributions of diverse immigrant communities. We will keep you posted on the opening date for the building as well as when we can start coordinating preview tours for our donors who supported the virtual gala at the $250 or above levels. Until then, we'll be giving everyone a virtual sneak peak when our next virtual exhibition opens later this month.
I’m also thrilled to share that we are partnering on a new virtual exhibit with Angel Island State Park and CyArk, a nonprofit organization that works to digitally record, archive, and share the world’s most significant cultural heritage sites. Last month, the CyArk team spent several days at the immigration station to conduct laser-scanning and high-resolution imaging of the former detention barracks building. These scans will be compiled into an interactive, digital 3-D model of the building that will be available to view online. We look forward to sharing the final product will all of you in early 2021.
November is also a time when we reflect and give thanks. As I celebrate my 1-year work anniversary at AIISF, I want to express my deep thanks to all of you for your support of AIISF through this challenging year. Thank you for participating in our events, liking and sharing our social media posts, and for making contributions to support us. I'm thankful for the wonderful partnerships I've had this past year with AIISF supporters, volunteers, staff, and the Board (and a warm welcome to our new Board members Paula and Win!).
Finally, as we approach another Giving Tuesday and End of Year Giving Season, I hope that you will all please consider AIISF again as you prioritize your contributions. You are an important part of what sustains our ability to continue our important work.
With deep gratitude,
Ed Tepporn
AIISF Executive Director
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Share Your Story for Our Next Virtual Exhibit |
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As a companion to the new immigration museum on Angel Island, we are curating a new experience for our supporters called the Angel Island Immigration Museum Virtual Exhibition - opening November 18, 2020.
This permanent virtual exhibit will explore the topics discussed in the former hospital while providing additional content and resources that can be accessed from home. Leading up to museum’s public opening in 2021, the virtual exhibition will add a new gallery each month, giving visitors more stories to explore on the issues of health, immigration, and the USIS hospital.
One gallery will be centered on issues of public health and its effect on the immigrant community. For this gallery we are asking immigrants or those of immigrant heritage (from any racial/ethnic group) to submit stories that describe personal experiences of xenophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These stories will help capture an important moment in American history. Submissions to our gallery will bring greater clarity to the situations faced by immigrant Americans during a global health crisis and address ongoing issues of racism in our country. These stories also draw attention to historical incidents of xenophobia experienced at the immigration station and provide opportunities for meaningful discussions.
Deadline to submit is December 31, 2020
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We will begin reviewing stories after the deadline. Story submissions will be published in our Angel Island Immigration Museum online exhibition on February 1, 2021. |
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AIISF Welcomes Two New Board Members |
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We are happy t0 welcome Win Chang and Paula Williams Madison to AIISF's Board of Directors!
Prior to joining AIISF's board, Win worked with LogicalApps through its merger with Oracle and now is the Western Regional Public Sector State and Local Solutions Engineering Director for Oracle.
Paula retired from a successful career with NBCUniversal and has worked with the Los Angeles Chinese American Museum, the Center for Asian American Media, the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, the Greater Los Angeles United Way, the California Science Center.
We also want to express our appreciation to former AIISF Board Members Henry Der and Heather Fong whose terms ended this year.
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Immigrant Voices Spotlight |
In November we take time to honor American veterans for their sacrifice and service, including many immigrants who arrived through the Angel Island Immigration Station.
One such serviceman is Marvin Uratsu. Marvin spent his early childhood in Japan. But when caring for Marvin and his brother became a burden for his grandmother, they immigrated to the United States. After Pearl Harbor, he and his family were sent to an internment camp. Marvin later joined the Military Intelligence Service Language School to serve during World War II.
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Each year we reflect on the moments we are thankful for and show gratitude to the people, causes, and organizations that are important to us.
Like many nonprofits, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how we are able to connect with our supporters. Back in March, Angel Island State Park had to close the detention barracks to the public and we were challenged to develop new programs that can be enjoyed from a distance.
As Giving Tuesday approaches (December 1), we hope you will consider donating to the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation as an end-of-year gift.
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We understand times are difficult. A contribution of any amount helps us enter 2021 with the ability to provide new programs and experiences that keep the stories of Pacific Coast immigrants alive. You can also organize a Facebook Fundraiser to share your support for AIISF with your friends and family. However you choose to give, we thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to seeing each other again–in person–in the new year!
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WMA's New Board of Directors |
AIISF Executive Director Ed Tepporn has joined the Western Museums Association's (WMA) Board of Directors for 2020-2023 term. Comprised of some of the West's most dynamic and innovative leaders working in museums and cultural institutions, the Board helps guide WMA's mission to “transform the museum field through collaboration.”
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University of Minnesota Launches Research Project |
With Immigrants in COVID America, Professor Erika Lee (a former AIISF Board Member) and her team have focused on four things: Immigration Policy, Labor/Economy, Health and Anti-Asian Xenophobia during the pandemic. They hope to shine a spotlight on data, research, reporting, perspectives so that researchers, teachers, students and advocates can have a resource to point to.
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