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The MuseumUpcoming Events
Broken News Exhibition
Broken News uses historic newspaper articles to detail the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment in Los Angeles in the late 1800s. The exhibition examines how sensationalized headlines were used to enforce stereotypes, resulting in discrimination and violence against disenfranchised populations.
On October 24, 1871, over 500 Los Angeles residents entered Chinatown and killed 18 Chinese men. Considered to be one of the bloodiest massacres against Asians in the United States, the Chinese Massacre of 1871 was the culmination of growing anti-Chinese sentiment, which led to racially motivated violence. With the recent rise in anti-Asian hate, the exhibition exposes how dangerous rhetoric can result in deadly consequences.
The exhibition was developed by Adit Dhanushkodi.
LA 1871 Symposium
December 9 – 10
“LA 1871”
Chinese American Museum (CAM)
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)
“LA 1871” is a two-day symposium and special performance in conjunction with Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past that explores the history of race and racism in Chinatown and the greater Los Angeles area. LA 1871 will focus on the history of the Chinese Massacre of 1871—a tragic event that has been historically overlooked by the news media. Special guest speakers will explore the historical implications of the event and discuss the long-term impacts of the tragedy in parallel to our contemporary socio-political climate. A special musical performance by award-winning composer, Nathan Wang, invites audiences to experience the historical context of the tragedy and brings the program to a close.
The symposium will be held on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, from 10:30am – 2:30pm PDT.
A Special Performance by Nathan Wang
Internationally acclaimed composer, director, and pianist Nathan Wang will perform on Sunday, Dec, 10, 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., in conjunction with the Chinese American Museum’s two-day symposium at the Pico House, El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Entitled Never Forget: 1871, the composition is a musical re-telling of the story of the Chinese Massacre of 1871, which combines an ensemble of western and Chinese instruments accompanying voices in this premiere all Chinese-American cast.
Born in Los Angeles, Wang began playing the piano at age three. He is a multiple award-winner with two Emmy awards and this year was a recipient of CAM’s Historymakers award. He has composed music for producers on four continents, among them Jackie Chan and Steven Spielberg.
Family Day 2023
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST
Celebrate our 20th Anniversary with us! Join the festivities as we conclude Our Shared Future Los Angeles with CAM Family Day from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 17th at the Chinese American Museum. Enjoy an afternoon filled with craft activities and live, multicultural entertainment. Explore the museum and check out our latest pop-up exhibition, Broken News. Attendees are also encouraged to visit the Japanese American National Museum and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for additional workshops, performances, and storytelling opportunities throughout the Downtown region.