Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in the late 1970s that extended into a month-long celebration in 1990. The month of May was chosen in honor of the first Japanese immigrants who came to the United States and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which both occurred during May.  Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture.  

Please explore Smithsonian events happening online and in-person and find resources, podcasts, and collection items to learn more about AANHPI contributions HERE.