Community Announcements and Events

Chinese American Genealogy Workshop

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Henry Tom on Introduction To Chinese Genealogy Research

Workshop dates: Tuesday thru Thursday – January 4 – 6, 2022  8:30AM – 6 PM

California Hotel & Casino, 12 E. Ogden Ave, Las Vegas, NV

Registration Cost: $325 until December 2, 2021. $375 per person after December 3, 2021. After December 3, 2021 no refunds.

Meal / Hotel Deal: 4 nights at the California Hotel, 12 meals, $180 per person. Requires double occupancy $360. Once you register, you will receive the special discount booking code to make your reservation. This hotel / meal deal must be booked by December 3, 2021

Registration: Contact Henry Tom [ Henry.Tom@Cox.net] 480 980 8715

Face masks are required  The California Hotel & Casino requires that face masks be worn by workshop attendees.  Workshop attendees should follow the hotel, city & state rules & requirements in terms of face masks, maintaining  social distancing and washing hands frequently.

This workshop provides insightful presentations on Chinese genealogy research. It instructs attendees on how to use various techniques to advance their own research and discover the interesting information pertaining to their family / clan history and to identify those resources that can best serve them.  There will also be exposure to the various information, material, and tools available on the Internet and in books and other sources to assist in compiling and documenting Chinese lineages. The ancestral villages of attendees will be identified and located – the primary source for family genealogy books.

This is a “how to” workshop that educates you on what you need to know in order to start performing Chinese genealogical research and/or visiting your ancestral village in China. The intent of the workshop is to educate people about Chinese genealogy research – so they can start researching and compiling their Chinese genealogy lineage – without having to be Chinese literate.  Some of the Chinese narratives, lineage annotations, and histories do require translation. There will be translators at the workshop to help with limited translations. Please bring your family genealogy information and lineages and let experienced researchers assist you during the Round-Table sessions in the afternoons.

This is a 3-day workshop – includes: Morning Presentations – Afternoon Round Tables – Afternoon Tutorials 

Draft Agenda (Subject to Change)

Monday, January 3 Check in – California Hotel

Tuesday, January 4

9 AM – 9:45 AM Richard Cheu  Keynote – “A Paper Son Who Graduated from Stanford Medical School.” 

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM       Introduction to Chinese American Genealogy Research – Henry Tom

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Coffee Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM       Family History in Personal Documents & Non-Traditional Sources – Amy Chin

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM        How to Digitize Photos and Share Family History in a Digital Age  – Ron Chan 

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:15 PM       Round Tables I

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM            Coffee Break

3:30 PM – 6 PM              Tutorial – How to Digitize Photos and Share Family History in a Digital Age – Ron Chan

Wednesday, January 5

9AM – 9:45 AM                  Researching Sources – Tony King

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM          Chinese American Oral History – Richard Cheu

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM        Coffee Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM        Principals of Naming Conventions I – Patrick Chew

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM        Principals of Naming Conventions II – Patrick Chew

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM           Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:15 PM     Round Tables II             

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM           Coffee Break

3:30 PM – 6 PM             Tutorial – Chinese American Oral History – Richard Cheu

Thursday, January 6

9AM – 9:45 AM Zhujixiang: Source of Migration to the Pearl River Delta – Mel Thatcher

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM  Art Lym: Chinese American Aviator – Andrea Yee

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM       Coffee Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM         TBD

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM        Digging Deeper with DNA – Kristin Wat

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM     Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:15 PM Round Tables III

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM             Coffee Break

3:30 PM – 6 PM      Tutorial – (Ancestry) DNA: Beyond the Pie Chart– Kristin Wat      

Friday January 7, 2022 Hotel Check out – Return home

Round tables I -II – III) same 6 topics twice per afternoon for 3 days – an attendee can attend all the round table discussions & tutorials over 3 days – Translations, Finding Ancestral Villages, China Workshops, Technology ( Using a Cellphone to scan documents, Using WeChat, Using Chinese keyboard ), Documenting Your Genealogy Research,  Round Tables for 2018 & 2019 China Workshop Attendees                       

WEST AGAINST EAST – Chinese Medicine

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Date: November 17, 2021, Wednesday – Presentation by Calvin Fong

Waiting Room – Opens at 2:30 PM – PT, @ 2:45 PM – PT, Waiting Room video starts

Official Presentation – Begins at 3:00 PM – PT

Click link to register: Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group – Chinese Medicine

While waiting in the herbalist’s reception room, you will be entertained by early pioneer Chinese doctors in America, herb stores of old, acupuncture and more.  Also, you will be treated to a narrated tour of Dr. Fong Wan’s unique herb office that was unlike any other.

Herbalist Fong Wan

Presentation

The history of Western medical establishment’s suspicions and resistance against traditional Chinese medicine in California is an obscure part of Chinese American history. This presentation is about the challenges faced by my father, Fong Wan, an immigrant Chinese who simply wanted to provide an alternative for non-invasive healing. Fong Wan and other Chinese doctors faced the following formidable challenges:

  • On-going, anti-Chinese sentiments
  • Persistent Western medical efforts to eliminate alternative medical practices
  • California State efforts to abolished Chinese herbal doctors from practicing.
  • Relentless accusations by the State and Federal government of false advertisements by Chinese doctors.

Despite hurdles, Fong Wan overcame barriers and became a well-known and successful herbalist in Oakland, CA. Learn how Fong Wan was a key player in defeating the “Anti Herb” bill before the state Legislature in 1925, gradual paving acceptance of alternative medicine by Western health care professionals and the public. This presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, where Calvin and Dr. Byron Fong (licensed acupuncturist) will discuss the current state of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the U.S.

Speakers

Calvin (4 years) with his herbalist father, Fong Wan (1949)

Calvin Fong was born in Oakland, CA, where he and his siblings were raised in their family home/office on 10th Street, a few blocks from Chinatown. From the time he woke until the time he went to bed, there was the constant aroma of medicinal herbs in the air, reminding him of his father’s profession and devotion to his work.  

Calvin recalls the Oakland Tribune and San Francisco Chronicle were delivered daily where Fong Wan’s clients provided true testimonials of how Fong’s formulated herbal teas relieved them of their ailments.

Dr. Byron B. Fong, D.O.M., L.A.c. is a 3rd generation Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor in practice for the past 38 years in Oakland, and is the grandson of Fong Wan, and the son of Fong Wan’s oldest son, Richard R. Fong, MD.  He graduated with the founding 1983 class at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco and received his Doctorate of Oriental Medicine at SAMRA University in Los Angeles.

Disclaimer: The presentation and Q&A session do not provide medical advice and are for educational and informational purposes only. Please consult your own medical professionals for your own personal health needs.

Chinese American WWII Veterans National Ceremony

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Watch the recorded videos of the September 30, 2021 Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Watch the presentation of the National Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Presentation on Facebook by clicking the button below. Note there is a 28 minute delay at the beginning of the video.

Click here to watch the National Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Presentation

When the title page appears click the area between WWII and Veterans to start the video.

At the bottom of the video move the slider to 28:55.

Watch the Gala speaking program on Facebook by clicking the button below.

Click here to watch the Gala speaking program

Share the events with your friends and family. Don’t forget to tag @AARPAAPI when sharing.

Click here to visit Our Wll of Donors

Sponsored By:

The Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project is a program of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.), a 501(c)8, and the National Chinese American Citizens Alliance Community Involvement Fund, a 501(c)3. Together we are spearheading a national campaign to identify, honor and recognize the efforts and accomplishments of all Chinese Americans who served in the United States Armed Services in World War II. For more information contact cgminfo@caww2.org.

VENG Group | C.A.C.A. C.I.F., Washington, DC 20035

China Camp State Park, a Hidden Gem

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Docent Ed Lai, FOCC Executive Director Martin Lowenstein, Frank Mah, Justine Wong, Doreen Lew, Evelyn Seto, Leona Lau, Joe Yoshino, Jeannie Young, John Lew August 2021

In mid-July, a member of the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group (BACGG) contacted Dr. Jason Lau to make arrangements for a docent tour of China Camp State Park.  Half of the eight were first time visitors. Martin Lowenstein, FOCC executive director, welcomed the group at the café. The slightly breezy August afternoon visit included a tour of the former Chinese fishing village by Ed Lai. His presentation included the history of Miwok, Spanish, and Chinese inhabitants. His tour began with a walk out on the pier to see the replica of a Chinese fishing junk, museum, and shrimp processing equipment. Back at the cafe, volunteer, Ernie Stanton, shared details about the Quans, the last family to run the café, and pointed out photos from when the village was used as a set for a John Wayne film, Blood Alley.

Naturalist, Jerry Coe, led the group on a nature hike on the Turtle Back Loop. He discussed the history of the pre-colonial Miwok who lived in harmony with the land. Jerry patiently helped members of the group learn to identify different flora. They all tasted pickle weed, a source of salt, from the marshland.

Members of the group joined FOCC and also made donations. An article about China Camp State Park will be posted on the BACGG website later this month.

“China Camp State Park is a 1,514-acre park nestled along the shoreline of San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California. The park boasts panoramic views, lush oak woodlands, and over 100 acres of protected tidal salt marsh. Whether you’re a hiker or mountain biker, a history buff, or a beach lover, you’ll have an unforgettable day at China Camp.


Visit China Camp’s historic shrimping village and beach area. The village is the perfect place to bring friends and family for a fun day trip. Visit the museum to learn more about China Camp’s fascinating history. Stop by the historic cafe on weekends for snacks and cold drinks. The site features first-come, first-served picnic areas with tables, drinking water, bathrooms, and an outdoor shower.

Learn more about the Chinese shrimp fishing in San Francisco Bay: watch a video by Chinese Whispers: Bay Chronicles.

http://chinese-whispers.org/bay-chronicles/


Friends of China Camp (FOCC) is the community-based nonprofit organization that keeps China Camp State Park open. Since 2012, FOCC has been the sole operator and manager of the park. The organization, largely run by volunteers, is responsible for covering all expenses related to keeping the park open. Find out how you can become a member, and help keep China Camp open and thriving for all.

Friends of China Camp (FOCC) is committed to keeping China Camp State Park open and thriving for our community. To learn more about China Camp, plan a day trip, or camping trip visit the FOCC website at https://friendsofchinacamp.org

China Camp State Park Chinese Fishing Camp
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National Archives Operations

As local public health metrics allow, research rooms will open on a limited basis and by appointment only. You must have a virtual consultation before the on-site visit. Staff at all locations will continue to respond to emailed requests for records. Further information is in this press release. 

The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, and some Presidential Library museums are open with limited capacity.

Reopenings and operations will rely on local public health metrics. Check the specific facility page for updates. More information about the National Archives’ response to coronavirus can be found at archives.gov/coronavirus.

Print allIn new window[chineseamericanfamilyhistory] National Archives Announces Limited Reopening of Research RoomsInbox

Marisa Louie Lee
6:37 AM (3 hours ago)to chineseamericanfamilyhistory

Hi everyone: Sharing the news about NARA reopening most research rooms starting August 2! I don’t yet have an appointment on the books for our local facility in San Bruno (the National Archives at San Francisco) but I’m looking forward to returning after so many months away. 

———- Forwarded message ———
From: National Archives <public.affairs@nara.gov>
Date: Fri, Jul 16, 2021 at 11:21 AM
Subject: National Archives Announces Limited Reopening of Research Rooms


Media Advisory graphic banner with the National Archives Logo

National Archives Announces Limited Reopening of Research Rooms WASHINGTON, July 16, 2021–The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is starting to resume research room operations. Several locations have already begun pilots to test research room policies and procedures that promote social distancing, while otherwise allowing us to serve records in a secure manner, and starting Monday, August 2, most National Archives research rooms will reopen for research on a limited basis. NARA services will look very different from the services provided prior to COVID-19. Research visits will be by appointment only and will require a virtual consultation prior to the onsite visit. Boxes of records will be pulled in advance and will be waiting at an assigned table. Research appointments will initially be for 4-5 hours total, depending on the location. In addition, we have implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of our researchers and staff: Requiring that unvaccinated visitors wear face coverings during their visit.

Limiting the number of people in each research room.
Requiring that those who are sick or do not feel well stay home.
Implementing safe social distancing through stanchions, physical barriers, floor markings, one-way paths, and directional guidance. Chairs will be removed and workspaces will be blocked to promote physical distancing between researchers. Following CDC cleaning guidance. In addition, researchers will contribute to sanitizing procedures by cleaning their assigned tables and equipment before and after their research.
Researchers should wash their hands thoroughly before entering and after exiting research rooms and regularly throughout their visit to the facility. Hand sanitizer will be readily available outside of the research rooms. Records quarantine: All record material accessed by a researcher will be quarantined after use for three full days, and the records will not be available to other researchers during the quarantine period.
Contact tracing: If a researcher or NARA employee experiences COVID-19 symptoms while in a NARA research room or later reports symptoms, a diagnosis, or a close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, NARA will use contact information collected during the researcher registration process to notify other researchers of a potential exposure.Please email the relevant facility using the contact information on their facility page to request an appointment. Researchers should check the specific facility page for details and updates, as the situation can change quickly. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to reopen our facilities in a careful and deliberate manner that prioritizes the safety of staff and the public. We look forward to welcoming you back to our research facilities.#  #  # For press information, contact the National Archives Public and Media Communications staff at public.affairs@nara.gov. 21-50NARA locations nationwide
Our mailing address is:
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington DC, 20408


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Bystander Intervention PSA

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Learn more about bystander intervention. Attend a free ihollaback online training

https://www.ihollaback.org/harassmenttraining/

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAININGS

Hollaback! teaches bystander intervention using our proven 5D’s methodology: Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct. Exit polls show that 99% of people we train leave confident they will intervene next time they witness disrespect or harassment. Here are specific trainings in this space that we offer:

Sign up for a free Guide to Bystander Invention https://www.ihollaback.org/

Discover Your Story at RootsTech Connect – Free Registration

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https://whttps://www.rootstech.org/rootstech-connect-2021-registration?lang=engww.rootstech.org/?lang=eng

Join the world’s largest family celebration for free to unlock your family’s history and learn how to preserve the stories of your life.

25 – 27 FEBRUARY, 2021

Introducing RootsTech Connect: A Free Online Conference Experience

For the first time ever, the world’s largest family celebration event will be entirely virtual and completely free. Get ready to celebrate shared connections with people from around the world. Connect with friends, your family, your past, and your heritage and homelands—all from the comfort of your home and in your browser.

Celebrity Keynote Speakers

Keynotes are a huge part of RootsTech events. They deliver messages of inspiration and hope. Stay tuned for the full lineup of keynote speakers to be announced soon.

Virtual Marketplace

The virtual Marketplace will be the perfect place to see the latest innovations, interact with companies from around the world, and find answers and resources to aid you in your work. Plus, get real-time help via video or live chat!

Cultural Activities

Celebrate the world’s cultures with activities such as homeland cooking demonstrations, yoga, and music from around the world. These experiences will be available throughout the online event and on demand.

Connect with Family from Anywhere

Finding cousins and interacting with other attendees is an important part of the RootsTech model. Enjoy exclusive opportunities to chat with other attendees through various messaging boards, social media interactions, and video chats.