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The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

Discover History, Culture, and More!

By Courtney Daly-Pavone October 21, 2019

My family didn't know what to expect when we embarked on a journey to the Gaslamp Quarter to visit The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, but that's what makes an adventure great. We were pleasantly surprised by this museum which is comprised in two buildings in San Diego's old Chinatown


That's right, San Diego in the late 1800's and early 1900's had a Chinatown which is now today's Gaslamp Quarter. 

There are few remaining buildings from this time period, and The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is one of them. We checked out the Dragons exhibit which looks at the role dragons have played historically in Chinese culture. These mythical creatures adorn everything from clothing, and art, to books and tableware. The Chinese believe dragons bring good luck, and at the exhibit you'll learn about various Chinese dragon designs, and their mythological offspring.

Here's What's @ The Museum For Kids

-Chinese Crafts Every Sunday

-Archaeological Dig

-Scavenger Hunt

-Chinese Costumes for Dramatic Play

-Koi Fish Pond

For adults there is a free Tai Chi lesson in the museums garden every Saturday morning 9 am to 10 am. The museum also houses a complimentary research library with books written by Chinese authors, and a living oral history project where local Chinese Americans discuss what life was like in San Diego's Chinatown.

What We Loved

"Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it." As the daughter of a history teacher I loved learning about San Diego's Chinese history from the fisherman that came and fished in what is now Seaport Village, to the Chinese immigrants that built the railroad. Their history is rich, diverse, and the museum does an excellent job in telling the story of Chinese immigrants in America to patrons of all ages.

Don't miss this opportunity to teach your children about this amazing culture!

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

404 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

Visit: https://www.sdchm.org/

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