JACL Applauds the Signing of Bill for National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

This afternoon, President Biden signed into law H.R. 3525, the “Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act.” This bill would allow the eventual creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. where it would join the many other museums dedicated to sharing the stories, histories, and cultures of other marginalized groups in our nation.

The four main goals of the newly created commission are to map a plan of action for the implementation of the creation of the museum; develop a fundraising strategy for the building and operation of the museum; find an independent review of the fundraising strategy; and finally, present a legislative proposal to Congress for the museum’s establishment and construction. While we are cognizant of the fact that the development of such a museum will take time and much work, support, and input from our own community, we are confident that the commission will be able to craft a plan that will make such a museum possible and help to share the stories of the Asian American community for generations to come.

JACL Executive Director, David Inoue noted “We have been fortunate to have the National Museum of American History showcase our Japanese American history with recent dedicated major exhibitions. However, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of all Asian Pacific American communities will ensure these stories become a part of the permanent collection of what is shared in the Smithsonian, and the rich diversity of the Asian Pacific American community will be showcased for all Americans to learn and better understand.”

We applaud Representative Grace Meng for her leadership and vision to bring us to this point. and look forward to the appointment of the commission members and the initial steps they take towards making a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture a reality.