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.
China's Artistic Diaspora
For sixty years, upheavals in Chinese politics have not only remade the country's economy—they have remade Chinese art
Primed for Success
Terence Tao is regarded as first among equals among young mathematicians, but who's counting
Where East Met (Wild) West
Excavations in a legendary gold rush town uncover the unsung labors of Chinese immigrants on the frontier
A Hip Tradition
The age-old art of hula is still moving and shaking
Year of the Rat
Celebrating Chinese New Year
Points of Interest
Locke, California—America's oldest Chinese town
EXPLORE MORE
- Women's History Month
Women's History Month celebrates the contributions that women have made in all aspects of society.
- Black History Heritage Month
The son of former slaves, Woodson created the first Negro History Week in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
- American Indian Heritage Month
Although the first "American Indian Day" was celebrated in May 1916 in New York, a month-long recognition of Native Americans did not happen until 1990.
- Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America and the Caribbean.
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Photo Gallery
Photos from Bhutan
Slideshow of life in Bhutan
Calendar of Events
At the Smithsonian
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Smithsonian Institution
Around the Country
Learn about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations in your state
42nd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June 25-June 29 and July 2-6, 2008
Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
Celebrating Bhutan's special approach towards life in the 21st century
Special Section
Destination Asia
Travel across the continent and discover all it has to offer through articles, video, quiz questions and slideshows
Travel with Smithsonian
Japan's Hidden Treasures
Multiple Departures
13 days
Discover Japan's ancient civilizations and modern present-day cities on this value-priced adventure
