York Region District School Board and the Markham Museum have received two awards for a joint exhibition highlighting the history of Chinese immigration to York Region, Chinese culture and the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
The exhibition, Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories and Experiences of the Chinese Community, received an Award of Outstanding Achievement in Audience Outreach from the Canadian Museums Association. This award recognizes exceptional museum "programming that advances knowledge and understanding by reaching new audiences or enhancing existing ones." They also received the Archives Association of Ontario, Institutional Award, for demonstrating "a significant level of innovation and imagination in the establishment of outstanding or model programs or services" in a public program.
Standing in the Doorway was developed in collaboration with community members, the Markham Museum and YRDSB. The exhibition features artifacts, photographs and stories from York Region community members, and contributors from York Region District School Board students and educators.
This exhibition tells the story of resistance, resilience, and the many accomplishments of York Region's residents of Chinese descent. A three-part virtual and touring exhibition program, including a website, travelling community exhibition and an interschool pop-up exhibit.
"As project partners, we are extremely honoured to receive these prestigious awards. This community-driven exhibition could not have been possible without the active participation of over 500 members of the Chinese community in York Region, and we sincerely thank the many advisors, participants, educators, students and families that engaged in its creation," said Janet Reid, Curator, Markham Museum and Rebekah Mitchell, Curator, York Region District School Board Museum & Archives.
To learn more about the exhibition, and the significance of the Chinese Exclusion Act, listen to the Tune In YRDSB podcast episode featuring Nancy Siew, community volunteer, Janet Reid, Curator at Markham Museum; Rebekah Mitchell, Curator at York Region District School Board Museum & Archives, Stuart Siu, music teacher at Markham District H.S., Vice-Principal Jadas Lau and students from Nokiidaa P.S.; and students from the University of Toronto's Museum Studies program.
You can also watch this video highlight the exhibit.
