We invite you to contribute to the Chinese American Museum’s (CAM) continued growth and success! The Top 8 Ways to Support CAM includes information about the many opportunities to get involved with the museum. Your support allows us to create new exhibits, programs, and work towards expanding CAM.

1. CAM Galleries

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 and make their mark on Garnier Building’s legacy, 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. To become a tiered sponsor or purchase a gala ticket, click here. Donations for Silent Auction are still being accepted, contact silentauction@camla.org for more information on to contribute.

3. Spring Festival (formerly known as Lantern Festival)

A signature event for CAM—and now a beloved community tradition—our annual Spring 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 Spring 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 a great way to support the museum and get exclusive perks! You will be able to take advantage of our benefits including free admission, invitations to view exhibits before they open to the public, exclusive goods, and a subscription to our CAM newsletter. There are many membership levels, ranging from Individual to Corporate levels. To become a member, sign up at the museum’s front desk or fill out this online form.

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! We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities year-round, including providing guided tours; exhibit preparation; public outreach; gallery sitting; event set-up; and much more! Volunteer contributions play an integral part of CAM’s development—by donating your time and efforts to our various projects, you become a part of CAM’s community. For more information, click here or contact volunteers@camla.org.

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!