Washington: Taiwanese American groups have mobilized hundreds of people across the United States to call for the inclusion of Taiwanese American history and identity in a planned national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture, organizers said Friday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) revealed that nearly 300 Taiwanese Americans have participated in a campaign it launched jointly with the Taiwanese Association of America (TAA-USA) on May 29. The participants have submitted close to 200 public comments to the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission through the "Share Our Voice" campaign.
The groups emphasized the importance of including the distinct history, identity, migration experiences, and contributions of Taiwanese Americans to U.S. society in the future museum. They also stressed the need for maps and other geographic references to identify Taiwan separately from China. FAPA President Kao Su-mei highlighted the campaign's aim to allow Taiwanese Americans to narrate their stories and ensure future generations recognize their experiences as a part of the broader Asian Pacific American narrative.
TAA-USA President Mingly Song stated that Taiwanese Americans play a significant role in the American story. Supporting the museum project would help ensure that their voices, history, and contributions are "seen, heard and remembered."
The commission is expected to submit a final feasibility report to Congress in October, which will guide decisions on establishing the museum. The report will also explore ways to enhance Asian Pacific American participation in the museum's planning process. FAPA noted that the commission has extended the deadline for public comments to Aug. 31, encouraging Taiwanese Americans and community groups to share their views before the deadline.