AIISF Newsletter / November 2023
A Message From AIISF’s Executive Director
I’m writing this while on board a flight from the Bay Area to Washington, DC where I’ll be attending the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) PastFoward Conference. In 1999, NTHP recognized Angel Island as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Thanks to your support and hard work of AIISF and Angel Island State Park, in 2017 NTHP recognized the site again, but this time as one of its 11 “Success Stories.” As I make this transcontinental journey, I am reflecting on several events.
First, my heart is still heavy for the Jewish individuals, families, and communities who lives were lost or impacted by the terrorist attacks last month in Israel and for the lives of Palestinians lost or impacted by the bombings of Gaza. We join our fellow members of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience in recognizing the long history and complexity of the region and continuing to hope and call for peace and an end to the violence.
Secondly, November marks my 4-year anniversary with AIISF. As I look back on these past years, I have such deep appreciation for all of you who have welcomed me with open arms, attended our in-person and virtual events, made contributions, and helped to champion Angel Island. I understand that our deep, trusted, mutually respectful relationship with Angel Island State Park is rare.
And I am continually inspired by the passion and dedication of our small but mighty board and staff. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes on two exciting new developments. We recently learned of the approval of our plans to repave the outdoor terraces of the former Administration Building. This will make these areas easier to navigate and will provide new opportunities for your family, organization, or company to have your name engraved on the site. Stay tuned for more details. We also recently received money that will allow us to rebuild at least two of the former employee cottages on the site. These cottages were designed by Julia Morgan but were burned down in the 1970s.
As we look to the year ahead, 2024 is an election year. Unfortunately, that means that immigration will likely once again be used as a wedge issue and there will likely be increased anti-immigrant ads and rhetoric. Your support is as crucial now as ever as we seek to not only make these improvements to the site’s structures but also to continue to bring you programs and exhibits that highlight our nation’s complex history of racism and exclusion while also celebrating the strength, resiliencies, and contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make to the US.
With hopes of peace, safety, and security for all,
Edward Tepporn
AIISF Executive Director
Upcoming Fall Events
Author Spotlight: Carol Roh Spaulding
Wednesday, November 15 | 5:00 pm PST | On Zoom
Join us as we welcome author Carol Roh Spaulding for a virtual discussion about her new collection, Waiting for Mr. Kim and Other Stories.
This collection of linked stories follows four generations of the Songs, a Korean American family, beginning in 1924 just prior to the Immigration Act and extending to near the end of the century.
Immigration Stories Told From Angel Island State Park
Thursday, November 16 | 1:00 pm PST | On Zoom
Can’t make it to Angel Island in person? Join Angel Island State Park on a virtual tour of the Detention Barracks Museum. Park interpreters will be highlighting the stories of select immigrants who journeyed through Angel Island and explore how their experiences differed.
For Teachers: You are welcome to share this webinar-styled program in your classroom!
Angel Island Photography Tour with Looking Glass Photo
Sunday, October 15 | 11:00 am | Angel Island
Join AIISF and Looking Glass Photo on Sunday, October 15th, for a photography adventure on Angel Island. Capture the island's beauty and learn about the history of the Immigration Station on a tour starting at 11:00 am at the Angel Island ferry landing (ferry tickets not included).
Author Spotlight: Curtis Chin
Wednesday, December 6 | 6:00 pm PST | On Zoom
Join us for a virtual discussion with author Curtis Chin about his new memoir, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.
This “vivid, moving, funny, and heartfelt” memoir tells the story of Curtis Chin’s time growing up as a gay Chinese American kid in 1980’s Detroit
New Exhibit + Vault Blog Post
Paper Son Soldiers
USS Hornet Museum
Opening Saturday, November 11th
AIISF is the community sponsor for a new exhibit that tells the story of two brothers, Benson and Richard Wong, whose journey through Angel Island and enlistment in the US military demonstrate the commitment and sacrifice Chinese Immigrants made to America during WWII.
"Paper Son Soldiers" is part of the exhibit "Land of Promise, Life of Duty," which honors the contributions of Asian Americans to the US military.
Both exhibits will be on view during the USS Hornet's Veterans Day event from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Learn more about "Paper Son Soldiers" on our Vault blog here.
