Members of Markham’s Chinese community are encouraged to contribute stories and loan artifacts for an upcoming exhibition.
“We want to tell the story of resilience and perseverance of an important community in Markham and York Region,” says Janet Reid, Curator of Markham Museum.
Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community is being developed in collaboration with York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Museum and Archives, and Tribute to Early Chinese Immigrants Canada Foundation.
“The Chinese community is underrepresented in our exhibition schedule and our museum collections,” Reid says. “This community-driven exhibit will celebrate our Chinese residents, and also engage and educate the wider community through a multi-part virtual and touring exhibition program.”
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, a discriminatory piece of legislation that effectively banned the immigration to Canada of Chinese people until 1947. The legislation was repealed following the participation and sacrifice of many Chinese Canadians in the Second World War.
“Markham is home to a vibrant Chinese community which has enriched the cultural fabric of our community,” Mayor Frank Scarpitti says. “This exciting exhibit provides an opportunity for all of us to learn about the Chinese-Canadian experience in a unique, first-hand way.”
The deadline to submit stories and loan artifacts is Friday, March 31. The exhibition will launch on the YRDSB platform in May. The Markham Museum will host an in-person exhibition from September to December. The exhibition will then tour around York Region beginning in 2024. Visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to learn more about the project.
