AIISF Newsletter / October 2025
A Message From AIISF’s Executive Director
Dear AIISF Friends and Family,
Hello from Reno, Nevada, where I am currently attending the Western Museums Association’s (WMA) Annual Meeting. WMA is the regional association for museums across the West Coast and Hawaii, and I have had the privilege of serving on its board for the past 5 years.
Every year, the conference provides an opportunity to connect, learn, and dream together. These opportunities are increasingly meaningful and impactful at a time when the museum sector is facing significant political and economic pressures. As I interact with colleagues from other institutions, we commiserate on our shared experiences of decreasing donations, cancelled grants, and the feeling of being under constant attack.
“How are you holding up?” and “How are you navigating things?” are two questions that I am overhearing repeatedly in the session rooms and hallways at the conference. To me, these questions represent the mutual concern and care that we have for one another. They are perhaps questions that you are also asking of your family and friends as you check in with them.
I often wonder how the immigrants detained on Angel Island hung on to their hope and determination under those harsh conditions. How might their resistance and resilience inspire us during these turbulent times?
Immigrants from over 80 different countries were processed and detained on Angel Island from 1910 to 1940. Those who were of Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry often endured longer detention, more invasive medical exams, and more intensive interrogations compared to European immigrants.
As we recognize National Filipino American History Month, National German American Heritage Month, National Italian American Heritage Month, and National LGBT History Month this October, I invite you to check out our Immigrant Voices project, which contains historical and current-day stories of immigrants from these and many other communities.
I have one final question for you this month: “How are you taking care of yourselves?” I hope that you all are finding ways to rest and practice self-care.
In solidarity,
Edward Tepporn
AIISF Executive Director
Accessibility
The Detention Barracks Museum elevator is temporarily out-of-order. The first floor is still ADA-accessible; the second floor is only accessible by stairs.
Scheduled Burns
Between October 13 and 26, depending on weather conditions, there will be planned fire burns on Angel Island. Some time during this two-week period, you may see smoke and several firemen.
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.
Do You Know How to Read Chinese?
The exhibits at the Angel Island Immigration Station are all currently translated into traditional Chinese characters. We are working on additional exhibit panels and will be translating them. We want to make our exhibits accessible to as many people as possible.
If you have experience and knowledge about reading Chinese, we would appreciate your input! Would it be more helpful to use traditional or simplified characters?
Angel Island - Tiburon Ferry: Temporary Closure
Angel Island - Tiburon Ferry is upgrading its facility from October 20 to November 30, 2025. It will NOT provide ferry services during that time.
Questions about the closure? Please contact the Angel Island - Tiburon Ferry company at aiferry@angelislandferry.com or (415) 435-2131.
If you booked a tour during the closure and were planning to take the Angel Island - Tiburon Ferry, please note these alternatives:
Book ferry tickets through the Golden Gate Ferry that departs from San Francisco.
Cancel your tour and reschedule when the new tour dates open.
Field Trips
Spring Tour Times
Tour times for January through June 2026 will open in mid-October! Stay tuned for updates!
Scholarships
Thanks to generous support from donors, we provide local, Bay Area public schools with field trip scholarships! These supplemental funds can help cover transportation costs, tickets, and other expenses related to visiting the Angel Island Immigration Station.
Upcoming Events
Del Sol Quartet: Exploring the Chinese Diaspora Experience
October 4 | 11:30 pm
Angel Island Immigration Station
Click here to learn more
Del Sol Quartet is returning to Angel Island! Explore the history of Chinese immigrants on Angel Island with a 45-minute performance of music by Lei Liang, Gabriela Lena Frank, Meilina Tsui, and Zhong Juncheng.
The performance will be included in your $5 admission to the Detention Barracks Museum. The start time is subject to change.
Let us know if you'll be attending!
Hands on History (Last of the Season!)
October 11 | 12 - 3:30 pm
Angel Island Immigration Museum
Click here to learn more
Visit the Angel Island Immigration Station for the last Hands on History of the year! This month's art form is origami.
Facing the Moon: Songs of the Diaspora
October 19 | 2 - 3:30 pm
Presidio Theatre Performing Arts
Click here to learn more
We will be tabling at Facing the Moon, a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival!
The event will feature Poet Laureate Genny Lim and the Del Sol Quartet, as they weave poetry with music and interviews by Chinese diaspora composers.
Tickets are required, with prices starting from $38.
A Big Weekend on Angel Island!
Along with Hands on History, there will be many other events on Angel Island the weekend of October 11 and 12, hosted by our Angel Island partner organizations! Come and join the fun!
California State Parks: WWII Living History
October 11 & 12
Fort McDowell Guard House & Chapel, Angel Island
Click here to learn more
The Fort McDowell Guard House & Chapel will be open on October 11 & 12! Learn about Angel Island's military history from volunteer docents dressed in uniforms of the day!
Watch Fleet Week from Angel Island
October 11 & 12
Archie Lee Overlook (Battery Ledyard), Angel Island
Click here to learn more
Experience the Fleet Week Airshow from Angel Island's Archie Lee Overlook. Shuttles will be available at $10 per roundtrip, to the view point and back.
Angel Island Conservancy's Sundae Social & Picnic
October 12 | 10 am - 4 pm
Camp Reynolds, Angel Island
Click here to learn more
Support the preservation and restoration of Camp Reynolds by eating ice cream (with waffle cones), homemade baked goods, and more! Participate in games, tours, and hikes. Gift items will be available for sale.
Community Events
Kronos Quartet: Beyond the Golden Gate
October 11 | 8 - 10 pm
Zellerbach Hall
Click here to learn more
Listen as the Kronos Quartet performs works by an international cohort of women composers. Their program includes Beyond the Golden Gate, a hybrid performance-discussion-screening with Bay Area activist David Lei, exploring the impact of Chinese Americans on American culture.
Tickets start at $58.
Our Language, Our Story Opening Reception
October 18 | 3 - 6 pm
Galería de la Raza
Click here to learn more
Join the opening reception of Our Language, Our Story, an exhibition by Joyce Xi, Galería de la Raza, and the Asian Law Caucus. The exhibit explores living life in your own language and features photographs and stories from over 20 community members.
The event is free with light refreshments. Please RSVP by October 11.
Upcoming Citizenship Clinics
The Council on American Islamic-Relations, San Francisco Bay Area is hosting two Citizenship Clinics this month:
Oct. 3, 2:30 - 5:30 pm at the Peninsula Muslim Association (361 Villa St, Mountain View)
Oct. 17, 2-5 pm at the Muslim Community Center - East Bay (5724 W. Las Positas Blvd #300, MCC Conference Room)
Immigration attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives will assist eligible community members in completing their N-400 naturalization applications and fee waivers. In addition, immigration attorneys will be available to provide free legal consultations on general immigration questions.
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.