AIISF Newsletter / September 2026
The Angel Island Immigration Museum was selected as Best Museum in Marin County (2026) by Marin Magazine readers.
A Message From AIISF’s Executive Director
Dear AIISF Friends and Family,
Thank you to everyone who responded to our 3 calls to action last month to provide comment on the creation of a national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture; to oppose the closing of the National Archives facilities in San Bruno and Chicago; and to help defend Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act!
Especially during challenging times, our actions and connections become even more important. Thus, collective power and movement building are key themes that I will be lifting up at several meetings this month including:
Co-presenting a session along with fellow Most Endangered Historic Places (Terminal Islanders Association Board with the Tule Lake Committee Board) at the Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation conference.
Moderating a roundtable panel session with the Japanese American National Museum, the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, Michigan State University Museum; and American Alliance of Museums; and
Co-facilitating several sessions at the Western Museums Association conference in partnership with the Wing Luke Museum, East West Center, Oakland Museum of California, Japanese American National Museum, and California Humanities.
This month, AIISF joins in the recognition and celebration of Hispanic and Latino/a/x Heritage Month! If you have had a chance to visit the Angel Island Immigration Museum (in the site’s former hospital building), then you know that there are several exhibit panels that discuss the shared experiences of historical and current-day immigrants/detainees. Some of these exhibit panels are highlighted in our virtual exhibit gallery.
We also want to congratulate our colleagues at the Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative on their acquisition of the former Empress of China building as well as to wish a happy 35th anniversary of the Chinese American Historical Museum to our colleagues at the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project.
Finally, as students make their way back to school for the academic year, there are several resources for parents and teachers to highlight:
Check out the educational resources on our website that teachers and parents can use to teach their kids about Angel Island’s history.
Watch our animated short videos on AANHPI history.
Angel Island State Park has opened up their reservation calendar for Fall 2026 tours.
AIISF has a field trip scholarship fund for Title 1 schools.
Thank you for your continued action, engagement, and support!
Edward Tepporn
AIISF Executive Director
Best of Marin County 2026
Marin Magazine recently took a poll for its Best of the County list, and the 2026 readers' choice for Best Museum was the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM)!
As one of Marin County's newest museums (opening in 2022), AIIM has become a destination for park guests who want to discover immigrant stories, experience special exhibits, and participate in family-friendly events at the immigration station.
We want to thank everyone who voted to make AIIM their favorite museum in Marin County. To see the rest of the list, visit the Marin Magazine website here.
Pathways to Immigration Special Campaign
Through our Pathways to Immigration Special Campaign, you can have your family or company name engraved onsite at the Angel Island Immigration Station! 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 or days ago, we welcome your name and support!
Upcoming Events
Del Sol Quartet on Angel Island: Foreigners to the Familiar — Exploring the Filipino Experience
September 12 | 12-1 pm PDT
Angel Island Immigration Station
Click here to register
What’s it like to shine day-glo bright as a poison frog, your colors a warning to potential predators? Dante de Silva’s “Aposematic” recreates the pressure of difference and the struggle to maintain individuality.
Josiah Catalan’s “Foreigners to the Familiar” interweaves slam poetry by Irene Faye Duller, Brandon Gagante and Mei Chung.
Join us for two world premieres as we bring California community voices to life within the historic detention barracks of Angel Island Immigration Station!
Dante de Silva: Aposematic (2026) WORLD PREMIERE
Josiah Catalan: Foreigners to the Familiar (2026) WORLD PREMIERE
The performance is included in your $5 admission to the Detention Barracks Museum.
Second Saturdays on Angel Island: Hands on History
September 12 | 12-3:30 pm
Angel Island Immigration Station
Click here to learn more
After Del Sol's performance, stop by the Angel Island Immigration Museum for some family friendly activities!
This time we’ll be making buttons. Be inspired by some of the poetry on the walls or use the carved animals as a guide to make something that represents you and your feelings.
Community Events
Empress Re-Imagined: Community Open House
September 12 | 11 am-4 pm
Empress of China Building
838 Grant Ave. San Francisco, 94108
Learn more and RSVP
The Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborate (CMAC) invites you to bring your memories and imaginations for a joyous Community Open House at the historic Empress of China.
CMAC was founded on the conviction that Chinatown has the agency to tell its own stories, and the community stewardship of the Empress of China building marks a vital step forward. Built in 1966, this historic landmark has long held the collective memories and celebrations of generations of local families. In 2026, CMAC returned the building to community ownership, and it is now evolving into a space for creativity, belonging, and San Francisco’s future.
Double Happiness Celebration
September 19 | 12-3:30 pm
San Jose History Park
635 Phelan Ave. San Jose, CA 95112
Learn more and RSVP
Join the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) at their Double Happiness Celebration. This "Double Happiness" Celebration commemorates two major anniversaries:
35th Anniversary of the Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM)
5th Anniversary of the City of San Jose’s Resolution of Apology
Come to enjoy spectacular Cultural Entertainment, Lion Dancing, fun children’s activities, CHCP's new traveling exhibit, plus light refreshments, and be sure to visit the Chinese American Historical Museum to view their informative exhibits including the new apology exhibit.
Angel Island State Park Open House
September 27 | 12-2:30 pm
Downtown San Rafael Public Library
1100 E. St. San Rafael, CA 94901
Hi, teachers! As you welcome in the school year, are you interested in taking your students out on a field trip to an island where they can hike, learn about immigration history at an actual former detention center, or experience living history at a Civil War site? Well, you can at Angel Island.
Angel Island State Park is partnering with the San Rafael Public Library to host an open house where you can learn all about Angel Island field trips and scholarships that may make your visit completely free of cost.
Enjoy light snacks, attend short informational talks, and ask park rangers all of your questions. Also, you’ll get the chance to beat the rush and book your spring tour times before they’re even open to the public.
For more information contact:
SRPL: library@cityofsanrafael.org
AISP: tours.angelisland@parks.ca.gov
New to the Vault: Immigration Hospital
From the beginning, the immigration station's hospital faced structural flaws, overcrowding, and logistical failures. It drew sharp criticism from its own medical staff.
Over the decades, the building adapted to changing demands—serving as an emergency detention space following the 1940 fire and later an army barracks—before opening as the Angel Island Immigration Museum.
Our latest Vault post focuses on the building's features, limitations, and changes over time. You can learn more by visiting www.aiisf.org/vault/hospital.
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.