The Dallas Asian American Historical Society was established in April 2022 by co-founders Stephanie Drenka and Denise Johnson to research, preserve, and amplify the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas Area. Read more about the inspiration behind the organization and view our online collection.
On July 7, 2023, Leftover: The Enduring Legacy of Chinese Cuisine in Dallas opened to the public. Since opening night, more than 600 visitors have stepped through the doors of the Wilson House and into history.
Asian Americans—though the fastest growing population in North Texas—do not have a designated space or resource/cultural center in Dallas. Like the early Chinese immigrants who set up their restaurants here, we are trying to carve out a legacy in a system not built to include us.
Our vision is to (re)claim a space for Asian Americans to belong. Where exhibitions like Leftover are a permanent fixture and accessible to everyone. With room for community members to preserve their stories, weaving them into our proverbial tapestry.
If you believe, as we believe, that our legacy is here and deserves its rightful place both in history and the city, please consider making a gift and help us leave something behind for future generations.
Researching, preserving, and amplifying the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas area
* organizational capacity-building
* office/community resource space
* online catalog software
* digital audio and/or video recording equipment
* recording and storage media
* archival equipment and supplies
* research materials and books;
* funding to support a public presentation (event or exhibition) highlighting the outcomes of our research
"Racism is poison. It can be an annoyance or an indignity, and sometimes, it can destroy people's careers (as in the case of Dr. Wen Ho Lee) or even destroy people's lives (as in the case of Vincent Chin). Racism can dampen the human spirit; it can dash your dreams." - Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn
As historians, we know U.S. history is filled with examples of systemic racism and oppression that dehumanize people. Discrimination against people of Asian descent began as early as the 1800s, with the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants, and continues today.
According to StopAAPIHate.org, a total of 10,905 hate incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) persons were reported to Stop AAPI Hate between March 19, 2020 to December 31, 2021.
At the Dallas Asian American Historical Society, we condemn racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and racial and gendered violence. We also acknowledge that transformation and sustainable change require dismantling systems of oppression through a comprehensive and multi-racial approach.
We prioritize community-based responses and education/awareness to protect against anti-Asian hate incidents rather than relying on increased policing or law enforcement intervention that would perpetuate violence and trauma against fellow Black and Brown communities.
We believe cross-cultural community education and a fuller understanding of our history will promote empathy and racial healing. We strive to collaborate with others who are working to change the narrative and amplify historically-excluded voices.
View our current participation opportunities.
Online Volunteering
Help Us Make History
Online
Ongoing opportunity
Organization name
Dallas Asian American Historical Society
Causes
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Immigrants & Refugees, Racial Equity
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Asian/Pacific Islander
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
5706 E. Mockingbird Lane #115-217