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Wednesday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

Chinese Historical Society of America

Name: Chinese Historical Society of America
Address: 965 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA, 94108, US
Telephone: +14153911188
Price range: $
Rating: 4.3

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Chinese Historical Society of America

The oldest organization in the country dedicated to the preservation of Chinese American history.
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The Chinese Historical Society of America is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to promoting the history and contributions of the Chinese in America. Since 1963, CHSA has strived to be a responsible steward of the remarkable narrative of the Chinese American community. CHSA is housed in the landmark Julia Morgan-designed Chinatown YWCA building at 965 Clay Street, San Francisco. CHSA

's exhibitions, archival artifacts and publications, and educational and public programs in the Museum and Learning Center are key components in the chronicling of Chinese American history, while its tours of the Museum and the surrounding San Francisco Chinatown community help interpret the local Chinese American experience. Its landmark "We Are Bruce Lee: Under the Sky, One Family" exhibit spotlights the values and legacy of a Chinese American icon who was born in San Francisco Chinatown and became an international superstar.

09/02/2026

Bruce Lee Statue Project update!

To coincide with San Francisco Recreation and Parks’ Portsmouth Square Renovation Project currently underway in San Francisco Chinatown, CHSA and Rose Pak Community Fund are excited to share progress on the Bruce Lee Statue Project. Construction has officially begun at the Portsmouth Square site this week, including the pouring of concrete for the bases of incoming public sculptures. This is an exciting beginning moment for the Bruce Lee statue becoming a reality.

For CHSA, the statue of Bruce Lee is in the final stages of design that features Bruce in a classic stance from the hall of mirrors scene the martial arts classic Enter the Dragon and an accompanying commemorative plaque at the base.

And we are looking to the public to provide feedback on the plaque, specifically: What do you think the words on the plaque should say? His bio? His body of work? What descriptor should pay tribute to San Francisco’s native son?

Please share your reactions and comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts! The public’s input on this public statue for the community.

For more information about the Bruce Lee Statue Project, visit CHSA.org.

08/31/2026

SAVE THE DATE: November 15, 2026 (afternoon):
Seminar: Finding Your Taiwanese and Chinese Roots

Are you Taiwanese American, or Chinese American, and every wondered where your family came from—and how to find out? Are you one of the 15,000 who attended Taiwan’s Love Boat Program between 1967 and 2013, and wondered the same?

This special genealogy seminar will show you how resources in the United States, Taiwan, and China can help uncover your family history. Through records, databases, archives, and real-life case studies, you’ll learn how to trace your ancestral village, plan a visit to your family’s homeland, and preserve your family history for future generations.

Whether your family has been in Taiwan for many generations, or they came to Taiwan from China—including those from the 1949 Civil War—this seminar is for you.

This event will take place at the Foster City Library.

Follow CHSA or visit CHSA.org for updates and more information as it finalizes.

08/30/2026

CHSA Spotlight
Lisa Ling, American journalist and media personality
Born August 30, 1973

Lisa Ling was born in Sacramento to Hong Kongese and Taiwanese immigrant parents. Her journalism career began at a young age as a reporter for the nationally syndicated local teen magazine show. At age 18, she became one of the youngest reporters and anchors for Channel One News, earning several awards for her assignments in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

Lisa’s career took off when she was named as one of the co-hosts for the panel talking show The View (1999-2002). Afterward, she returned to international reporting and special correspondence for networks including National Geographic and Oprah Winfrey. Her awardinvestigative documentary series This is Life with Lisa Ling ran on CNN for nine years. Ling has received multiple awards for her reporting, showcasing her impact and trailblazing influence in journalism.

08/29/2026

NATIONAL CHOP SUEY DAY
August 29

This skillfully depicted postcard captures a magical moment at dusk down Grant Avenue in San Francisco Chinatown, circa the 1950s. It features the Far East Café, which was established in 1920 and is currently the oldest banquet-style Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. The signage includes the words “CHOP SUEY” as a reference to its food offerings in its early years of business. It has continued its legacy and historical tradition, committed to hosting Cantonese banquets for important local events, milestones, and attractions for businesses and individual families alike.

Chop Suey is an old Chinese-influenced dish more less created in America using local ingredients while catering to Western palates. It was a popular dish often found on Chinese restaurant menus across the U.S. in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Image: San Francisco Chinatown, by unnamed artist

08/22/2026

August 22
Happy National Bao Day!

Established in 2017 by the restaurant chain Wow Bao, National Bao Day is commemorated on August 22, the anniversary of the opening of its very first restaurant in Chicago.

Ancient Origins: Legend states that bao was invented in the third century CE by the famous Chinese military strategist Zhuge Liang.

Soft, fluffy, and filled with flavor! 🥟✨ What’s your go-to filling—savory pork, spicy chicken, or sweet custard? Drop your favorite spot in the comments! 👇

08/15/2026

How did a Hong Kong artist become an unexpected underground hero during WWII?

In his recent book, MYSTERIES FROM MY CHILDHOOD: How I Found Out My Parents Were Spies in World War II, author John T. Lee presents a transpacific story throughout several generations in one family, touching upon immigration and return. With a unique blend of family history and world events, Lee shines a light on lesser-known topics, such as the overseas Chinese support for Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the 1911 Revolution and the existence of an underground network in Hong Kong during World War II.
This program includes a Q&A session with the author along with a complimentary lunch buffet.

To RSVP, visit CHSA.org or link in bio.

08/06/2026

From the CHSA Archives

This photograph from the CHSA archives, dated December 21, 1939, is of the Great Star Theater staff and performers presenting a birthday gift to owner Chi Nan.

The Great Star Theater, originally the Great China Theater, opened in 1925 in San Francisco Chinatown as a Chinese theater and opera venue. It is the last remaining Chinese theater in any Chinatown in the U.S. This photo taken in its heyday showcases the esteemed staff and operatic performers during an end-of-year celebration that dually honors its owner.

Not more than a few years after this photo was taken, during World War II, Chinese opera troupes scaled back performances or stopped performing in the U.S. altogether. The Great Star Theater evolved into a cultural center for Chinese American families in Chinatown, screening Chinese-language films and hosting political events and activities to compensate for the decline in opera performances.

After decades of reduced business, the non-profit Great Star Theater took a hiatus in the 21st century under new management and reopened its doors in 2021 with a mission to cultivate traditional Asian art forms, nurture emerging artists, and revitalize the San Francisco Chinatown community.

The Great Star Theater has been a pillar of San Francisco Chinatown community that strives to continue sharing its historical legacy and heritage.

Follow Great Star Theater

08/05/2026

Don't miss the world premiere of Tuan's Three Portraits: Voice of Chinese American Women from Early California.

For more information, follow San Francisco Choral Society or visit: https://conta.cc/4v7DruQ

Address

965 Clay Street
San Francisco, CA
94108

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+14153911188

Website

http://www.chsa.org/

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