Chinese Historical Society of Southern California

Chinese immigrants have made significant contributions to the progress and development of the United States, particularly California. But this fact was and still is omitted in the curriculum of social studies in schools. To fill this unfortunate and unjustified gap in formal education, a small group of concerned citizens met and decided to form a historical society with the mission of preserving for present and future generations the significant contributions of the Chinese pioneers. This group met on May 29, 1975 in Los Angeles. An ad hoc committee was formed with Stan Lau as convener and Norman Wong as Vice-Chairman. On November 1, 1975, 27 people attended a general meeting which formed the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California (CHSSC). Officers elected at this meeting were Stan Lau, President, Jerry Shue, Vice-President, Emma Louie, Corresponding Secretary, Ann Lau, Recording Secretary, George Yee, Treasurer, Paul Louie, John Ching and Chuck Yee, Members-at-Large. A constitution for the Society was adopted January 7, 1976.

The mission statement of the CHSSC is:

To bring together people with a mutual interest in the important history and historical role of Chinese and Chinese Americans in Southern California;

To pursue, preserve and communicate knowledge of this history; and

To promote the heritage of the Chinese and Chinese American community in support of a better appreciation of our rich, multi-cultural society.