Scope and Contents

This collection consists entirely of paper documents, the majority of which is correspondence from 1980-1986. Most of the correspondence is with the Social Secutiry Administration, Medicare, the Chinatown Health Clinic, and Hamilton Madison House, a community center with services for senior citizens. In addition, there are some newspaper clippings (in Chinese) for Chinese medicine, a postcard (in Chinese), and a few empty envelopes.

Scope and Contents This collection consists of paper documents, printed materials, publicity materials, objects, and photographs. The paper documents include administrative and financial information about the theater, such as film inventories, time schedules, bills, account ledgers, and payroll records. Printed material, of which there is very little, includes books and journals, most likely personal copies of Sun Sing Theatre employees. Publicity materials consist mostly of film posters and lobby cards (or...

Abstract Alice Mong is Executive Director of Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK). Prior to joining the Asia Society HK, Ms Mong worked for almost a decade in New York, where as Director of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) she was responsible for transforming MOCA from a New York Chinatown institution to a leading national museum. Prior to MOCA, Ms. Mong headed up The Committee of 100, a non-profit membership organization founded by world-class architect I.M Pei and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma....

Abstract Ms. Brenda Grosbard and Mr. Roger Yee are grandchildren of Reverend Yeung Kai Cheung, the second pastor of the first Chinese Presbyterian Church in Chinatown, New York City. In this interview, Ms. Grosbard and Mr. Yee provide a detailed description of their family tumultuous history and their grandfather journeys from Vancouver B.C., to Shanghai, before ending up in Chinatown, New York City, where he became a spiritual and cultural leader of the Chinese community in New York. They talk about...

Abstract Both Chester and Michael are extremely active in the Chinatown community. Michael heads the nonprofit group Apex and is a community leader in Chinatown. Chester has also worked with many nonprofits and believes it is important for people to share their gifts and help others. He views giving as a habit formed slowly over time that can have a large impact on various organizations. Michael attributes his inspiration in nonprofit work to witnessing his parents work in the community and his own...

Abstract Long-time MOCA supporter and board member June Jee talks about her grandparents and her early life growing up in Hong Kong. After moving to the US in 1964 she discusses growing up in New York’s Chinatown and her family life in the US. She explores instances of racism and her brushes with the Chinatown gangs. She also talks about her career working at Verizon and her community engagement efforts. The conversation is concluded with her discussing her philanthropic efforts and how she sees the...

Abstract

Lillian Cheu discusses her life moving to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn from Toishan. She recounts growing up in the predominantly Jewish neighborhood and how her parents tried to retain their Chinese culture at home. She goes on to talk about moving to Chinatown and meeting her husband. She ends by discussing gentrification in Chinatown.

Abstract Sandy and Doug Lee sit down with MOCA to discuss the history of their family, as found through archival and family research. They bring up the curio shop that their family kept and finding pictures from this business through a cousin. They discuss their father’s involvement in the U.S. Army and his position as translator for American diplomats who met with Mao and his party. They discuss how their Uncle funded one of the first Chinese-American film companies in the U.S., called Great Wall...

Abstract In this interview with MOCA, four siblings from the Lui Family sit down to discuss their childhood in early 20th century Chinatown. Sisters, Effie and Fannie, begin with a description of their family members and their life in a tenement apartment. They also explain the root of their Christian faith and the role of ministers as community social workers. The sisters then examine the tensions between the Chinese and Italians in the neighborhood and the development of their Chinese American...

Abstract Edwin Wong and his father has been involved with community work in their personal and professional lives for almost four decades combined. Mr. Wong was born in Burma and has family roots in China, Hong Kong and Canada. When he arrived in New York City he became involved with the Department of Social Services, working as a case worker in neighborhoods in the Bronx and the Lower East Side. On his own time he became involved in local community boards in Queens and also spent his time in...