In the new year, commissioners are set to connect with community leaders and experts in New York, Southern California, Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, Texas, Washington, D.C., and more.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 8, 2025, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture was formally launched to explore the creation of the first national museum dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture. Established by Congress through Public Law 117-140, the bipartisan Commission has begun engaging Asian Pacific American community leaders, experts, and institutions nationwide to create a roadmap for the authorization and planning of a potential museum–including site selection, projected costs, and operational considerations. The Commission’s work will culminate in October 2026 with the submission of a final report to Congress, the President, and the American people.
Read highlights of the Commission’s efforts during its first eight months:
LAUNCHING A NATIONAL LISTENING TOUR: In October 2025, the Commission launched its first regional convening to invite community leaders and experts to provide input on what a future museum could look like, and shape how the nation honors Asian Pacific American history and culture. The Commission will expand its national listening tour in 2026, with stops in New York, Southern California, Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington, D.C., and more.
October 9, 2025: The inaugural stop in the Commission’s listening tour was Princeton, New Jersey, with a convening co-hosted with Princeton Public Schools. The event brought together roughly 80 scholars, students, and regional leaders to share their reflections on how to best capture the depth and richness of the Asian Pacific American experience.
November 18, 2025: The Commission held its second regional convening and listening session in San Francisco, California, which was co-hosted by the Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. The event was emceed by Emmy award-winning journalist and author Dion Lim, and featured updates from Commission Co-Chair Dr. Jay Xu and the Honorable Michelle Steel. Executive Director Krystal Kaʻai Hetherington, along with the Commissioners, also addressed audience questions on community priorities and the Commission’s ongoing initiatives. More than 150 attendees from throughout Northern California, including the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, and Sacramento, gathered to provide public comment.
November 18, 2025: The Commission also hosted an in-depth roundtable event with more than 25 leaders in New Orleans, Louisiana. Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith shared updates on behalf of the Commission, and local leaders and scholars discussed key priorities, including the preservation of endangered Asian Pacific American heritage sites and engagement with emerging APA populations.
ENGAGING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS: The Commission has met with local, state, and federal elected officials across the country to build the Commission’s national visibility and discuss funding and outreach strategies to support its work.
In April, Commissioners met in the U.S. Capitol with Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), who authored the legislation to create the bipartisan commission. Commissioners also met with the Honorable Elaine Chao–18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, and the first Asian American woman appointed to a President’s Cabinet–who has been a strong supporter of efforts to build the museum.
In September, Commissioners met with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in the U.S. Capitol, and held additional meetings with congressional members, including Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20).
In November, Commission Co-Chair Chiling Tong and the Honorable Rodney Davis met with leaders of the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators—a bipartisan network of more than 200 state lawmakers spanning 38 states—in Washington, D.C.
MEETING COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHERE THEY ARE: In addition to stops on the Commission’s national listening tour, individual commissioners are also connecting with diverse communities from coast-to-coast through various events.
- On May 12 and 13 during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith and Executive Director Krystal Ka’ai Hetherington spoke at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership Summit and Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.
- On July 24, Commission Co-Chairs Jay Xu and Chiling Tong, Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith, and the Honorable Rodney Davis spoke at the International Leadership Foundation Leadership and Business Conference in Washington, D.C.
- On July 29, the Commission met virtually with Asian Pacific American museum heads, cultural centers, and scholars.
- On September 5, Commission Co-Chair Jay Xu participated in an armchair dialogue during the Center for Asian Pacific American Women’s 30th Anniversary Conference in San Francisco, California.
- On September 18 and 19, Commission Co-Vice Chair Joanne Kwong and Commissioner Kevin Kim spoke at the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship’s Annual Conference in New York City.
- On October 4, Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith spoke at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Asian American Cultural Center’s 20th Anniversary in Urbana, Illinois.
- On October 21, commissioners spoke at The Asian American Foundation’s (TAAF) event, “Celebrating America’s Past, Advancing America’s Future” in Washington, D.C.
- On November 10, Commission Co-Chair Chiling Tong spoke at the Friends of the National APA Museum’s Veterans Day Event in Washington, D.C.
- On November 14, Commission Co-Vice Chair Joanne Kwong spoke at the Friends of the National APA Museum and Asia Society’s special screening of “Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story” in Houston, Texas.
- On November 16, Commission Co-Chair Chiling Tong delivered a keynote address during the International Leadership Foundation’s Denver Chapter Event in Denver, Colorado.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR A FUTURE MUSEUM: As part of its congressional mandate, the Commission is tasked with evaluating possible locations and costs for a potential National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Commissioners have been consulting with community leaders and experts, regional museums, academic institutions, historical societies, and cultural organizations to develop recommendations on establishing, funding, and maintaining a future museum.
In April, the Commission toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture and met with Smithsonian Institution leaders to draw inspiration for its efforts.
In June, the Commission toured potential site locations, including the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building.
In December, the Commission participated in a visioning workshop with SmithGroup, which included a full day of planning, discussion, and a walking tour of potential site locations in Washington, D.C.
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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture
Established by the 117th Congress, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture is charged with delivering to the President and Congress a comprehensive plan of action that will lay the groundwork for Congressional authorization of a museum in Washington, D.C. dedicated to honoring the achievements, progress, and lasting impact of Asian Pacific Americans. To learn more about the Commission’s work, visit nationalapamuseum.org or contact commission@nationalapamuseum.org.
