We invite you to plant seeds of commitment for the continued growth and success of the Chinese American Museum (CAM)! The Top 8 Ways to Support CAM provides information about the many opportunities to get involved with the museum. Your support is crucial in securing the future of our exhibits, programs, education, and our even bigger dream of expansion at CAM!

1. CAM Space

The best way to commemorate your support for CAM is to sponsor one of our gallery spaces. CAM’s gallery spaces include some of the Garnier Building’s most beautiful historic features, such as the original wooden floors and brick walls. Gallery sponsors will have their names engraved on glass plaques that will grace our gallery walls. It is a proud achievement to know that your name is in the Garnier Building, a place that was once home to prominent Chinese American organizations, businesses, schools, and places of worship.

2. Historymakers

CAM’s annual Historymakers Awards Gala honors those extraordinary individuals who have made a significant impact or contribution to the Chinese American community. The Historymakers Awards Gala also serves as the major annual fundraiser for the museum. You can support Historymakers by becoming a table sponsor, buying an advertisement in our program book, or donating an item for our Silent Auction.

3. Lantern Festival

A signature event for CAM—and now a beloved community tradition—our annual Lantern Festival celebration offers Chinese New Year fanfare with free entertainment and cultural activities for people of diverse backgrounds and all ages to enjoy. You can support Lantern Festival by becoming a sponsor, providing in-kind donations, or volunteering at the event.

4. Education Fund

Become a visionary partner in education by establishing a Named Education Fund in your honor or on behalf of your grandchildren, children, or loved ones. A contribution to the Education Fund supports a Free Bus Program and a range of innovative educational programs, exhibits, and activities created to greatly enhance the existing K–12 standard curriculum that will benefit teachers, students, and families.

5. Membership

Become a CAM Member—signing up is fast and easy, and it is also a great way to receive invitations to our special events! By becoming a member, you are making CAM’s vision and mission a reality. Additionally, you will be able to take advantage of our great benefits, including: a year of free admission; 10% discount at our bookstore; invitations to “members only” exhibit opening receptions and other special events; and a subscription to our informative CAM newsletter. There are many membership levels, ranging from Individual to Corporate levels. The membership form is available at our front desk, in our CAM newsletters and brochures, and on our website at www.camla.org. Join today!

6. Share Your Family History

Everyone has memorable stories to tell. Do you have a family story to share? The collection of oral histories at CAM is a long-standing, ongoing, and committed project. Oral histories are the oldest type of historical inquiry, and we invite you—as individuals and families—to share your experiences, accomplishments, challenges, and personal accounts of daily life from the perspective of Chinese Americans. Your stories and experiences inspire us, and they become the foundation that helps us create provocative, memorable, and relevant exhibits and programs. Share your family story with CAM to preserve, create, and pass on your history to future generations.

7. Volunteer

Play an active role in helping to create and sustain CAM’s future by joining our CAMunity of volunteers! Volunteers are CAM’s lifeblood. We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities year-round, including: providing guided tours; exhibit preparation; curriculum development; public outreach; gallery sitting; general mailing; and much more! Volunteer contributions play an integral and necessary part of CAM’s development—by donating your time, services, and creativity to our various projects, activities, and events, you contribute to the overall growth of CAM and our mission. As we march onward to Expansion, we will continue to rely on the generosity and commitment of present and future volunteers to carry us into the next exciting chapter of CAM’s history.

8. Bring a Friend

Be a good friend! After enjoying your visit at CAM, share us with someone you know—a friend, co-worker, or loved one. Bring someone who may share your interest or experiences—or, someone who might not otherwise visit CAM on their own. CAM friends are great supporters because they help build our audience by connecting us to new communities. Help spread the word about CAM and watch us grow!