In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the United States Asian Pacific Public Affairs Alliance and Flushing Library are co-hosting the “Chinese Railroad Workers in American History” photo exhibition from May 1st to 31st. The opening ceremony will take place at Flushing Library on May 11th (Saturday) at 1 p.m.
May is designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the United States to commemorate, celebrate, and recognize the culture, history, and contributions of Asian Americans. From 1865 to 1869, thousands of Chinese laborers worked in dangerous and arduous conditions to help construct the first transcontinental railroad in the United States at a staggering pace. The completion of the transcontinental railroad project linking the East and West coasts revolutionized transportation and trade in the United States, leaving a profound impact on the American economy that endures to this day.
The organizers stated that holding this photo exhibition during the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month pays the highest tribute to the hard work, diligence, resilience, and contributions of these railroad Chinese laborers to the development of the United States.
Officials from the United States Asian Pacific Affairs Alliance, Flushing Library, and several elected officials will attend the opening ceremony. There will be speeches from elected officials and cultural performances during the event.
Exhibition Dates: May 1st to 31st
Location: First floor of Flushing Library (41-17 Main St., Flushing NY 11355)
Opening Ceremony: May 11th (Saturday) at 1 p.m.