JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 29, 2022 - A new installation at the Missouri State Museum celebrating Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month will open May 1. The month-long exhibit provides information about the history of the observance and explores the contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans to the United States. The display covers relevant topics such as food, people, geographic locations, cultural celebrations, agricultural roots and military service.
“This exhibit pays tribute to the generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched Missouri’s history and continue to drive the state forward,” Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui said. “It’s a wonderful showcase of heritage, stories and viewpoints of these communities who call Missouri home. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with other state agencies on this exhibit, which is just the start of the state’s month-long celebration.”
Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated annually during the month of May. It began in 1978 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage week, but expanded in 1992 when George H. W. Bush signed a law that annually designates May as the month to celebrate the contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans to the country.
“Visitors to the Missouri State Museum can immerse themselves in the natural and cultural history of our state,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are excited to partner with our sister agency in recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to Missouri with this new installation.”
The exhibit is located at the west end of the Resources Hall in the Missouri State Museum, located on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol, in Jefferson City. The exhibit is just one piece of the state’s month-long celebration. Web content, a video series and a feature interview will accompany the museum exhibit throughout the month of May. The exhibit and broader celebration were coordinated by the Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Office of Administration.
To learn more about the virtual celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, visit oa.mo.gov/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month-virtual-celebration.
For more information about the Missouri State Museum, visit mostateparks.com/park/missouri-state-museum.