On August 13th, New York State Assemblyman Lester Chang, a Chinese-American Republican, held a museum visit event open to low-income families at the famous Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan, New York. This event was part of his series of commemorative activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of the state legislature and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Chang expressed to the Epoch Times, “First and foremost, I want children to step out of the house and not just stare at their smartphones all day. I hope they can experience the real history of New York City in their own backyard and feel the vibrant history of this building, which dates back over 300 years or even longer.”
He added that such activities have two major benefits for children: enjoying the summer outdoors and viewing the museum as a real piece of history, as well as fostering patriotism among them.
Located at 54 Pearl Street, this building is not only one of the most important taverns in 18th century America but also a crucial site of the American Revolutionary War. 250 years ago, the inaugural meeting of the New York Provincial Congress took place here. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Provincial Congress functioned as the colony’s interim government, with many revolutionaries visiting the tavern. It was also where the first President of the United States, George Washington, delivered his farewell address to the generals after the war victory.
Chang elaborated on the stories of different exhibit halls to the children, as dozens of students of varying ages chattered excitedly.
One child mentioned learning about the reasons people gathered to drink in the past and how they discussed ways to stop paying taxes to the British. Another boy just discovered from the visit that George Washington bid farewell to his soldiers here, highlighting the extraordinary significance of the building.
“I love it here because I truly enjoy learning about history; history tells me what the Revolutionary War was all about,” said the boy.
Chang stated that this building serves as the beginning of cultivating various public awareness that has never crossed people’s minds. He said, “Apart from kings, queens, or generals, everyone has a role – you can vote for your leaders, isn’t that part of the history here?”
Vicky, a Chinese immigrant mom who brought her son to the event, greatly appreciated the significance of it, stating, “As a first-generation immigrant, the thing I love most about America is freedom.”
“Everyone has the power, everyone has equal opportunities,” she said. “And if you disagree with something, you can speak up; you can protest and counter what you’re not happy with. This freedom of speech and power make us feel like individuals.”
This was Vicky’s second time bringing her children to visit this museum.
“I want my children to know where our freedom came from, it was fought for by our predecessors,” she said. “So I believe such activities hold great significance.”
Chang mentioned that in the future, they plan to organize events like “dressing in clothing from 250 years ago to listen to music from 250 years ago.”
“As the first Chinese-American Republican State Assemblyman born in Chinatown, I am humbly proud to be able to organize such events,” he stated.