6 Museums and Tours to Discover Asian American History

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter enacted legislation to designate the first 10 days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. By 1992, George H. W. Bush expanded this celebration to a full month, acknowledging the significant contributions and influence of Asian Americans in U.S. history and culture—thus, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM) was established.

The history of Asian Americans is intricate and diverse, encompassing 50 ethnic groups that speak over 100 languages under the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) umbrella. In celebration of APAHM, Dinogo recommends six museums and tours that highlight the richness and diversity of Asian American identity—continue reading to find out more.

Wing Luke Museum

Address: 719 S King St., Seattle

Situated in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, the Wing Luke Museum is the only Pan-Asian museum in the United States. It honors Wing Chong Luke, a former member of the Seattle City Council and the first Asian American to hold public office in the Pacific Northwest. The museum showcases a collection of paintings, photographs, and textile works created by Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Alongside its artistic and historical displays, the museum hosts various programs and events and offers neighborhood tours in Seattle. If you’re interested in an Asian American history tour focused on the Japanese American community or Chinatown, the museum provides a range of guided walks, with tours starting at $25.

Angel Island Immigration Museum

Address: Angel Island, Tiburon, California

The Angel Island Immigration Station served as the West Coast’s counterpart to Ellis Island. While the precise number of immigrants is unclear, it is estimated that around 1 million people passed through Angel Island, including approximately 250,000 Chinese and 150,000 Japanese individuals. However, due to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the station restricted the number of Asian immigrants permitted entry into the United States.

Today, Angel Island is overseen by California State Parks and encompasses 740 acres featuring wooded hiking paths and sandy shores. Guests can explore the Angel Island Immigration Museum to discover the challenges faced by Asian Americans, including exhibits on recreated living quarters and original poems composed in the detention barracks. Guided tours are available starting at $5 per person.

Chinatown Walking Tour in NYC with Mott Street Girls

Address: Manhattan, New York City

Manhattan’s Chinatown is the largest in the United States and boasts the highest density of Chinese residents in the Western Hemisphere. One of the most immersive ways to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown is by joining a Mott Street Girls walking tour.

Run by local Asian American residents of NYC, the Mott Street Girls guide visitors on an enlightening stroll down Chinatown’s unofficial main street, Mott Street. Every weekend, they host the “Relive Life Under the Chinese Exclusion Act” tour, providing participants with insights into the historical struggles of Chinese immigrants in the 1800s and the ongoing impact of those laws today. Alongside the history tours, they also offer a “Flavors of Old Chinatown” tour, celebrating the area’s renowned culinary delights. Walking tours are priced at $35, while the food tour is available for $60.

Jeepney Tour of Historic Filipinotown

Address: 153 Glendale Blvd., 1st Floor, Los Angeles

Although it is thought that the first Filipinos arrived in California alongside Spanish conquistadors in 1587, the significant influx of Filipino immigrants began in the 1920s. Many of these newcomers settled in a district near downtown Los Angeles, now referred to as “HiFi” or Historic Filipinotown.

Participants can explore L.A.’s Filipino heritage from the comfort of a 1944 jeepney (a vibrant, open-air vehicle commonly used in the Philippines) through a tour offered by the Pilipino Workers Center. The jeepney tour takes guests to significant sites within the neighborhood and Filipino community, including Unidad Park, which showcases a large mural honoring Filipino American heroes, and Temple Seafood Market, where fish are processed and served for diners. The jeepney is also available for private events and tours. Tickets begin at $25 per person.

Hmong Cultural Center Museum

Address: 375 University Ave. W., #204, St. Paul, Minnesota

After the United States' withdrawal from Southeast Asia in the 1970s, following the Vietnam War, many Hmong individuals in Laos sought asylum in the U.S.—many had aided the CIA during their “secret war” in the region. A program initiated by the University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service provided land, education, and various forms of support to Hmong farmers, encouraging many to settle in the land of 10,000 lakes. As of the 2020 census, there are over 90,000 Hmong individuals residing in Minnesota.

Situated in the Little Mekong Cultural District of the Twin Cities, the Hmong Cultural Center Museum highlights the history, art, and contributions of the Hmong community in Minnesota. The center features stunning examples of Hmong jewelry, embroidery, and other cultural artifacts. Additionally, it houses the largest collection of Hmong literature and research materials in the country. Admission is $7 per person.

After your visit, consider spending the afternoon dining at the nearby Hmong Village, which boasts over a dozen restaurants and 250 vendors offering a range of products and services from beauty items to chiropractic care. On May 6, the Hmong Cultural Center and HmongTown Marketplace will host a guided tour of Hmong Village. This tour will provide valuable insights and history regarding the city’s Asian community while also allowing time for shopping and exploration.

Asiatown Houston Bus Tour

Address: 5300 N. Braeswood Blvd., Ste. 4-207, Houston

Houston is recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and Asiatown offers perhaps the best opportunity to experience this diversity firsthand. Commonly referred to as Chinatown, this southwestern area of Houston is home to various communities, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian residents, among many others.

Spanning 4.5 hours, the Asiatown Houston Bus Tour provides an in-depth exploration of the history, cuisine, and art of Asiatown. Guided by local Asian American residents, the tour starts at Teo Chew Temple, a large Vietnamese Buddhist temple, and includes stops in Bellaire—one of the city’s top food districts—and at Houston’s Vietnam War Memorial. Tickets begin at $75 per person.