Taiwanese American groups urge inclusion in planned museum

Washington, Aug. 29 (CNA) Taiwanese American groups have mobilized hundreds of people across the United States to call for the inclusion of Taiwanese American history and identity in a planned national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture, organizers said Friday.

In a news release, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) said nearly 300 Taiwanese Americans have participated in a campaign it launched jointly with the Taiwanese Association of America (TAA-USA) on May 29.

Together, the participants have submitted close to 200 public comments to the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission through the "Share Our Voice" campaign, FAPA said.

The groups said the future museum should include the distinct history, identity, migration experiences and contributions to U.S. society of Taiwanese Americans, while ensuring that maps and other geographic references identify Taiwan separately from China.

FAPA President Kao Su-mei (林素梅) said the campaign aims to ensure that Taiwanese Americans can tell their own stories and that future generations will see their experiences as part of the broader Asian Pacific American story.

TAA-USA President Mingly Song (宋明麗) said Taiwanese Americans are an important part of the American story, adding that supporting the museum project would help ensure that their voices, history and contributions are "seen, heard and remembered."

The commission is expected to submit a final feasibility report to Congress in October, which will help guide decisions on whether and how to establish the museum. The report will also examine ways to maximize Asian Pacific American participation in the museum's planning process.

FAPA said the commission has extended the deadline for public comments to Aug. 31, urging Taiwanese Americans and community groups to submit their views before the deadline.