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On January 13, 1996, the SDCHM opened its doors to the public at 404 Third Avenue, ten years after having incorporated as the Chinese Historical Society of Greater San Diego and Baja California (in 1986).  To commemorate this important anniversary, the San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum invited the public to participate in a virtual celebration on 01/30/2021. 

The celebration opened with a series of videos that featured different local leaders, including Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Chris Cate, and former County Supervisor, Ron Roberts, who each spoke about the significance of the Museum, and who provided their blessings for the years to come.  We were also joined by longtime friends and contributors, including Dr. Shu Chien (1st chair of the SDCHM Board of Trustees), Tom Hom (president of the Chinese Historical Socieyt, 1988 to 1990), and Diana Marjip-Chuh (former board member), who shared their memories about the Museum's development over the years.  Concert pianist Lang Lang 郎朗, made an appearance; he was followed by Dr. Barry Chung (dean of the College of Education, SDSU), Wendy Wilsom-Gibson and Nimpa Akana (Executive Director and President of the board of Trustees of the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center), and also Gay Q. Yuen (President of the Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles).  These recorded statements led up to a special performance by 吳蠻 Wu Man and 吴伟 Wu Wei, who interpreted "A Joyous Tune" on the pipa and the sheng.

After the musical performance, we shared a video-recorded tour of the Museum's recently renovated Mission exhibition.  The tour was led by docents Bob Stein, Michael Yee, and Lily Birmingham, and will be made available on the Museum's website in the near future.

The event wound down with the announcement of winners of the celebration's silent auction, as well as a drawing to select and announce winner's of the event's opportunity drawing.  We thank all who contributed auction items as well as those who bid on them via the online interface.  

As we move into our next 25 and 35 years, we will set new goals for our programming, as well as our place in the local community.  We would ask for your continued support; as donors, as friends, and as volunteers, to help us take our next steps as an institution.