New Exhibition Explores History of Chinese Immigration to York Region

Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community Now Open

MARKHAM, ON – September 29, 2023 – Markham Museum, in partnership with York Region District School Board Museum and Archives, has announced the opening of a new exhibition called: Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community. This innovative exhibition commemorates the contributions of the Chinese Canadian community on the development of our nation and highlights the history of Chinese immigration to York Region.

The Chinese Canadian community has persevered and resisted against stereotypes, labels and racist policies in Canada. Most notably, the enactment of the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act stopped all Chinese immigration to the country, separating families for decades before it was repealed in 1947. Chinese Canadians and their allies continue to advocate for equity, human rights, and the correction of historical wrongs. The exhibition, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Act, features artifacts, photographs and stories from York Region community members, as well as art from local students.

One story featured in the exhibit is that of the Quan family, one of the longest living Chinese families in Markham. Peter Quan and Lai Shing Mark arrived in Canada as teenagers in 1951 when their respective fathers sponsored them to Canada. As previous generations have been in Canada since the late 1800s, their fathers and other family members were impacted by the head tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act. After they married, they moved to Unionville in 1956 and opened Peter’s Restaurant. In 1969, they established Quan TV & Appliances and their property development businesses in the same location. The Quan family has shown the perseverance and resilience that is symbolic of many Chinese-Canadians.

Standing in the Doorway was developed in collaboration with over 150 people and families from the community, partners, and with students from the University of Toronto's Museum Studies program. The exhibition is now on display at the Markham Museum until February 25, 2024. A travelling version of the exhibition will then tour York Region schools and public spaces through 2025. 

An online version of the exhibition is also available through the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) website, including oral interview clips from local Chinese Canadian community members. Explore, learn and listen to the stories, traditions, and knowledge of the diverse Chinese Canadian community from Markham and York Region.

“It is with immense pride that the City of Markham presents Standing in the Doorway Exhibition commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act," says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "We acknowledge all Chinese-Canadians and what they have done to the benefit of our country. History is an important teacher. This showcase is a window into one of Canada’s darkest chapters of history as experienced by Chinese immigrants. This exhibition is the first-of-its-kind and stands as a tribute to the contributions of our Chinese community here in Markham and across York Region. Together as partners, we can move toward a brighter and more inclusive future.”

“We wanted 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,” said Janet Reid, Curator, Markham Museum. “This community-driven exhibit celebrates our Chinese residents, and will also engage and educate the wider community through a multi-part virtual and touring exhibition program.”

“As a school board, we want to ensure our students and families see themselves, their identities and cultures, reflected in their classrooms,” said Rebekah Mitchell, Curator, York Region District School Board Museum and Archives. “We were honoured to partner with the Markham Museum, students, staff, and so many others to help share the stories of the Chinese community in York Region. We hope that educators, families and community members can use this exhibition to learn more about the rich Chinese culture and history here in York Region and to spark conversations about their own identities.”

This project is in part funded by the Government of Canada, through the Exhibition Circulation Fund component of the Museum Assistance Program, and by the Government of Ontario.

Nancy Siew, Founder of Tribute to Early Chinese Immigrants, Ron Lynn, York Region District School Board Chair and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti pose in front of the exhibition Standing in the Doorway.

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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:
media@markham.ca

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 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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