What was the experience of Asian American migrants to the Midwest in the late nineteenth century? What did Chinatown in St. Louis look like before its demolition in the 1960s? What happened to Japanese Americans who escaped interment camps and settled in St. Louis during World War II? How did the Asian American immigrants establish successful businesses with the support of the local community? How did national developments in race relations and social activism in the twentieth century influence Asian Americans in St. Louis?  

In anticipation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and in recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of individuals within the AAPI community in St. Louis, Washington University Libraries and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion of Washington University in St. Louis invite you to join us for a forum on the history of Asian Americans in St. Louis. With the support of the Missouri Humanities Council, Washington University students and staff have created a series of webpages using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to showcase the contributions of the Asian American community on St. Louis, called the ‘Asia in St. Louis’ project. 

Guest speaker, Anna Crosslin, will speak on her experience as a member of the International Society in St. Louis. The Asia in St. Louis project members will present their StoryMaps which focus on the arrival of early Chinese immigrants, urban life in St. Louis’ first Chinatown (Hop Alley), the relocation of Japanese American students to WashU during World War II, and how national developments in social justice influenced Asian Americans in St. Louis. 

Free and open to all, registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.