AIISF Newsletter / June 2025
A Message From AIISF’s Executive Director
This message comes to you from across the Atlantic Ocean. I was invited by Muzeum Emigracji in Gdynia, Poland, to speak at their Resistant and Resilient Museums Congress. I am honored to be joining Sebastian Tyrakowski and Dr. Rafał Raczyński of Muzeum Emigracji and Taras Gembik of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw for a panel session on how museums can serve as shelter in times of crisis. I’ll be presenting about how at Angel Island, we have used storytelling, collaborations with artists and musicians, and community partners to create safe spaces and experiences to confront historical injustices, foster empathy, and build cross-community connections.
With everything happening in the world around us, there is perhaps increased need for safe spaces and emotional refuge. The news cycle can be a 24/7 spiral of disheartening stories. But as all of you who have previously visited Angel Island are already aware, despite the site’s previous function as an immigrant detention center, a trip to Angel Island can also be quite restorative. Perhaps it’s the combination of nature’s beauty, the validation that our histories cannot be swept under a rug, and the inspiration drawn from the resistance and resilience of Angel Island’s immigrant detainees.
At AIISF, we have tried to continue this legacy of resistance. Perhaps you saw our story on how we have been impacted by federal funding cuts on Fox KTVU last month. Or, perhaps you watched our testimony before the CA Joint Committee on the Arts and the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism.
So if it’s been a while since you last visited the site, June may be an opportune time to do so. June is Immigrant Heritage Month. And in recognition of CA State Parks Week, AIISF and Angel Island State Park are covering the museum entry fees for all visitors on June 13 (Friday) and June 14 (Saturday). We hope to see you “resiliencing” on Angel Island soon!
Wishing you all rest and resilience,
Edward Tepporn
Executive Director
Pathways to Immigration Special Campaign
Through our Pathways to Immigration Special Campaign, you can commemorate your own immigration journey, honor your family’s immigrant heritage, or show your allyship with immigrant communities.
Whether you or your family came through Angel Island or elsewhere and whether you arrived in the US decades ago or days ago, we welcome your name and your support.
California State Parks Week: June 12 - 15!
Celebrate the 4th annual California State Parks Week with Angel Island State Park! Join the following free events on Angel Island! Registration is required; click the links below to sign up.
Morning Bird Walk
June 12 | 8 - 11 am
Slowly stroll 1.5 miles on the island while learning about local wildlife! Some binoculars will be available for use.
2 Days of Free Admission
June 13 & 14 | 11 am - 3:30 pm
AIISF and Angel Island State Park are covering free entry to the museums! Take a guided or self-guided tour of the Detention Barracks Museum. Check out Hands on History for arts and crafts on Saturday, too!
Beach Clean Up
June 14 | 11 am - 2:30 pm
Help our amazing state park interpreters keep Angel Island beautiful!
Guided Tours: Hike or Bike
June 15 | 11 am - 2:00 pm
Tour the island on foot (3 miles) or bike (5 miles) with state park interpreters!
Hands on History
June 14 | 12 pm - 3:30 pm
Angel Island Immigration Museum
Click here to learn more
CA State Parks Week overlaps with June's Hands on History!
Take a tour of the Detention Barracks Museum for free or help keep our beaches clean. Then, unwind by making some artwork inspired by the history and beauty of Angel Island.
Upcoming Events
Del Sol Quartet on Angel Island: "The Japanese Picture Brides"
June 21 | 11:30 am & 1:30 pm
Angel Island Immigration Station
Click here to register
The Del Sol Quartet is returning to Angel Island with two 45-minute performances!
They will highlight Takuma Itoh's "American Postcards: Japanese Picture Brides," with music by Erika Oba and Andy Akiho, woven with stories of women who spent time on the island.
There will be a pop-up art exhibit by Patricia Wakida and family-friendly art activities, too!
The performance will be included in your $5 admission to the Detention Barracks Museum. Registration is required.
Lincoln Summer Nights
June 12 | 5 - 8 pm
Lincoln Square Park, Oakland
Click here to learn more
Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development is looking forward to another fun-filled 2025 season of Lincoln Summer Nights!
AIISF will be attending June 12th, July 10th, and August 14th. We’ll be doing a variety of arts and crafts, as well as showing off different ways you can learn about Angel Island’s history.
We hope to see you there!
World Refugee & Immigrant Day Festival 2025
June 14 | 12 -3 pm
Clinton Park, Oakland
Click here to learn more
Take a trip out to the island and make some art while learning about the history of Angel Island!
We’ll be set up in the Angel Island Immigration Museum.
There’s no need to pay for admission or sign up; this event is both free and open to the public.
Taken From Their Families is at Heart Mountain
Now to October 2025
Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, Wyoming
Our traveling exhibit, Taken From Their Families, is on display at Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, a museum located at a former World War II Japanese American confinement site in Wyoming.
Interested in hosting this exhibit next?
Click here!
Community and Partner Programs
All Eyes On Us: Invention & Ingenuity During Artistic Diasporas
March 27 - December 13
Edge on the Square
Click here to learn more
Visit All Eyes on Us at Edge on the Square! The exhibition spotlights “hidden dragons”: individuals whose artistic careers, practices and expressions shape-shifted or became dormant as they navigated the complexities of immigration, assimilation and survival. Featuring sound art, installations, and more, the exhibition centers Asian American and diasporic stories of resilience, ingenuity, and triumph over adversity.
TaikoTown by San Jose Taiko
Online
Click here to learn more
Check out San Jose Taiko's YouTube series of fun, 10–15 minute episodes celebrating Japanese and Asian American heritage through the powerful beats of taiko drumming! TaikoTown includes resources for teachers and advance notice of TaikoTown Live, San Jose Taiko's in-theater show for kids!
Community Resources
Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal)
BayLegal provides low-income clients with free civil legal assistance, including legal advice and counsel, referrals, and representation. It is the largest civil legal aid provider serving Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
BayLegal's areas of practice include domestic violence, immigration, housing, health care access, and more.
AIISF is a small (but mighty) nonprofit that has worked tirelessly for the past 42 years to preserve the buildings at Angel Island and to elevate the stories of immigrants. Our ability to continue these preservation efforts and to continue to offer free or low-cost programs is dependent on the support of community members like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to AIISF.