Discover the rich culinary history and cultural tapestry of New York City's Chinatown at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Dive into a treasure trove of old Chinatown restaurant matchbooks and postcards, offering a unique lens into the vibrant past of this iconic neighborhood. Explore the stories and experiences of Chinese Americans through these everyday artifacts, meticulously curated to showcase the essence of a community. Unveiling these hidden gems, MOCA's blog posts like "Before the Gram, There was the Postcard" bring to life the nostalgia of National Postcard Day. With a commitment to preserving and sharing significant materials, MOCA's New Acquisition Committee ensures that the legacy of Chinese American history and culture thrives for generations to come.

Indulge in the fascinating world of culinary history with Harley J. Spiller, a celebrated collector renowned for his passion for menus, particularly those showcasing Chinese cuisine. Recognized by Guinness World Records, Spiller's expansive collection boasts over 10,000 menus, business cards, restaurant matchbooks, and assorted artifacts related to Chinese cookery, spanning from the 1860s to the contemporary era. Diving into a diverse array of cuisines, from Afghan to Asian, American to Argentinian, Armenian, and beyond, the collection is meticulously organized into six subseries by geographic regions. From placemat menus to booklet-style menus, laminated to vinyl enclosures, the collection offers a kaleidoscope of menu types, including take-away, delivery, and eat-in options, along with wine lists, breakfast menus, and cafeteria lunch menus. Spiller's remarkable collection has graced museum displays and exhibits worldwide, including the esteemed "A Million Menus" showcase, while a portion of the menus has been thoughtfully digitized for public viewing on the Internet Archive, ensuring that this rich culinary heritage is accessible to all.

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Note: Email request is required to view the collection

Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of the Pacific Exchange: China & U.S. Mail exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum, a riveting exploration of the Chinese American community through the intricate tapestry of mail and stamps. Spanning from the 1860s to the 1970s, a period marked by profound transformations in China and significant waves of Chinese immigration to the United States, the exhibit illuminates how mail served as a vital lifeline for immigrants maintaining connections with loved ones abroad, as well as for businesses and consumers alike. Delving deeper, the showcase unveils how Chinese Americans ingeniously utilized mail to celebrate their heritage, uphold traditions, and preserve ethnic identity through a myriad of avenues, including culinary customs, festive parades, holidays, flags, and language. From poignant examples like Sergeant Walter Chin's V-Mail letter to insights into the complexities of Chinese laborers in Hawaii depicted in Edward Tailer Austin's correspondence, the exhibit offers glimpses into the diverse experiences within the Chinese American community. Despite facing adversity, such as the 1882 U.S. law restricting Chinese immigration, the exhibit showcases resilience and triumph, illustrating how Chinese Americans thrived and contributed to society. From the invaluable role of Chinese American newspapers in disseminating news to trailblazers like Hazel Ying Lee, whose aviation feats broke barriers and reshaped perceptions, the exhibit celebrates the enduring spirit and resilience of the Chinese American journey, eloquently expressed through the medium of mail.

Delve into the rich tapestry of Manhattan's Chinatown with Daniel Ostrow's captivating book, a meticulous chronicle of this iconic neighborhood's evolution through the lens of vintage postcards. From its humble beginnings to its vibrant present, the book traces 150 years of history, offering a fascinating journey through the sights, sounds, and aromas that define this bustling enclave. Through a curated selection of postcards, readers are transported to a world of ancient tenements, bustling temples, and fragrant food stalls, where every corner reveals a new layer of cultural richness. Part of the esteemed Postcard History series by Arcadia Publishing, "Manhattan's Chinatown" provides a unique perspective on the community's transformation, inviting readers to witness its enduring spirit and vitality through the captivating medium of vintage postcards.

Discover the vibrant world of the Chinese American Forum (CAF), a captivating cultural and educational magazine fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding between Chinese/Asian Americans and the wider public. Since its inception in 1985, CAF has been a beacon of communication, dedicated to showcasing articles on culture, philosophy, history, traditions, heritage, Chinese American affairs, accomplishments, and life experiences, all aimed at promoting unity and shared understanding among diverse communities across America.

Discover AsianWeek, a captivating English-language news magazine that brought Asia to the forefront every week from 1975 to 2001. Situated in the vibrant city of Hong Kong and under the wing of Time Inc., it delved deep into Asian affairs, offering a unique perspective directly from the heart of Asia. With a circulation of 120,000, AsianWeek aimed to be the definitive voice of Asia globally. Sadly, it ceased publication due to advertising challenges, but not before leaving a remarkable impact. Through initiatives like the Asiaweek Short Story Competition, it fostered a better understanding of the Asia-Pacific region. Despite its closure, AsianWeek remains a cherished relic, a beacon of Asian news and viewpoints for the world to treasure.

Since its inception in 1971, Amerasia Journal has been a trailblazer in the realm of Asian American Studies, shaping the landscape of scholarship, teaching, and public discourse. As a leading interdisciplinary journal, it has served as a vital platform for exploring the multifaceted experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting the profound social changes within these communities, including their remarkable growth, diversification, and increasing presence in American society, Amerasia Journal has been at the forefront of documenting and analyzing these transformations. Through its publication of cutting-edge research, the journal delves into a wide array of topics, from representation and identity to immigration and diaspora, and social and political movements, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of Asian American experiences. With its commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue, Amerasia Journal continues to be a cornerstone of Asian American Studies, driving forward critical discourse and scholarly inquiry.

Explore the intellectual realm of Chinese American history and culture through the pages of "Chinese America: History & Perspectives," an esteemed annual journal by the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA). Helmed by editor-in-chief Jonathan H. X. Lee, a distinguished professor of Asian American studies at San Francisco State University, this peer-reviewed publication invites original contributions across a spectrum of topics, fostering research, scholarship, and a deeper understanding of the Chinese American narrative. With over 150 published articles since its inception, this journal is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering recent issues for purchase on the CHSA website. Prospective authors eager to contribute are encouraged to engage with the editorial committee to ensure the suitability of their manuscripts, enriching the ongoing discourse on Chinese American history and perspectives.