Markham Museum Encourages Community to Participate in Upcoming Exhibit

MARKHAM, ON – January 27, 2023 – Markham Museum is calling out to, and encouraging, Markham’s Chinese community to get involved with the curation of its upcoming exhibit, Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community. Members of the Chinese diaspora are being encouraged to contribute stories and loan artifacts for the exhibition, which will have its virtual launch in May followed by an in-person gallery exhibition at Markham Museum beginning in September.

“Markham is home to a vibrant Chinese community which has enriched the cultural fabric of our community,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This exciting exhibit provides an opportunity for all of us to learn about the Chinese-Canadian experience in a unique, first-hand way.”

“We want to tell the story of resilience and perseverance of an important community in Markham and York Region. The Chinese community is underrepresented in our exhibition schedule and our museum collections,” says Janet Reid, Curator, Markham Museum. “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.”

2023 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, a discriminatory piece of legislation which effectively banned the immigration to Canada of Chinese people until 1947. It was only after the participation and sacrifice of many Chinese Canadians in the Second World War, that the movement began to repeal the legislation. Today, almost 48% of Markham’s population identify as Chinese whose rich culture is reflected in the stores, restaurants and celebrations that take place in the City. 

Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community is being developed in collaboration with York Region District School Board Museum and Archives and Tribute to Early Chinese Immigrants Canada Foundation.

Important Dates: 

Story Submissions and Artifact Loans Deadline – March 31, 2023

 

Virtual Exhibition Launch – May 2023 – YRDSB Platform

 

Gallery Exhibition Opening at Markham Museum – September 2023 

 

Gallery Exhibition at Markham Museum – September to December 2023


Exhibition Tour around York Region – Begins 2024 

 

Learn more about the project at MarkhamMuseum.ca.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Kisha Powell, Media Relations & Communications Specialist at kpowell@markham.ca.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 356,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 
 

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