Wing Luke Museum: Preserving the Asian Pacific American Experience
Located in the heart of Seattle's Chinatown-International District, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience serves as a vital repository for the stories and heritage of the region's diverse Asian communities. What began as a vision to protect the history of a rapidly changing neighborhood has evolved into a nationally recognized institution that blends personal narratives with broader social justice themes.
Key Facts
- Founder's Vision: Named after Wing Luke, the first Asian American elected to public office in the Pacific Northwest.
- Established: Opened in 1967 in a small storefront on 8th Avenue.
- Current Location: Housed in the renovated 1910 East Kong Yick Building at 719 South King Street.
- Core Philosophy: Utilizes a community-based model that centers personal experiences in its exhibits.
- Preservation: Maintains historic spaces including the Freeman SRO Hotel and Yick Fung Mercantile.
The Origins and Evolution of the Museum
The museum's roots trace back to the early 1960s, when Seattle City Council member Wing Luke recognized the urgent need to preserve the history of the Chinatown-International District. Following Luke's untimely death in a 1965 plane crash, his supporters raised funds to realize his vision. The institution first opened its doors in 1967 as the Wing Luke Memorial Museum.
While the museum initially focused on Asian folk art, it quickly shifted its focus to better reflect the diversity of the local community. By the 1980s, the museum had transitioned toward pan-Asian exhibits created by community volunteers, emphasizing the shared and unique experiences of various Asian ethnic groups.
Growth and National Recognition
In 1987, the institution moved to 7th Avenue and was renamed the Wing Luke Asian Museum. During the 1990s, under the leadership of journalist Ron Chew, the museum gained national prominence. Chew pioneered a community-based model of exhibit development, a method that prioritizes individual personal stories as the primary vehicle for historical narrative.
In 2010, the museum adopted its current name: the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, though it is often referred to informally as "The Wing."
The East Kong Yick Building and Historic Preservation
In 2008, the museum relocated to its current home at 719 South King Street, occupying the renovated 1910 East Kong Yick Building. This move allowed the museum to expand its mission of addressing civil rights and social justice while physically preserving the architectural history of the district.
Visitors can explore several preserved historic spaces within the building, including:
- The Gee How Oak Tin Association room.
- The Freeman SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Hotel.
- A family apartment located along Canton Alley.
- The Yick Fung Mercantile.
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Recent Challenges and Community Dialogue
The museum continues to be a focal point for community resilience and debate. On September 14, 2023, nine windows along Canton Alley were destroyed in a racially motivated crime. In a collaborative effort, the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Commerce provided financial aid to replace the windows with a decorative mural.
More recently, in May 2024, the museum faced internal tension when approximately half of its staff walked out in protest of an exhibit titled "Confronting Hate Together." The employees argued that the exhibit conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism and called for the museum to adopt a pro-Palestinian stance in writing.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Opening of Wing Luke Memorial Museum | Established in a small 8th Avenue storefront. |
| 1987 | Move to 7th Avenue | Renamed Wing Luke Asian Museum. |
| 1990s | Leadership of Ron Chew | Implementation of community-based exhibit models. |
| 2008 | Move to East Kong Yick Building | Integration of historic site preservation. |
| 2010 | Final Name Change | Became Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. |
| 2023 | Canton Alley Vandalism | Windows replaced with a decorative mural. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Wing Luke?
Wing Luke was a Seattle City Council member and the first Asian American elected to public office in the Pacific Northwest. He envisioned a museum to preserve the history of the Chinatown-International District.
What is the community-based model of exhibit development?
Developed at the museum under Ron Chew, this model places the personal experiences and narratives of community members at the center of the exhibits, rather than relying solely on traditional academic history.
Where is the museum located?
The museum is located at 719 South King Street in Seattle, within the historic 1910 East Kong Yick Building.
What historic spaces can be seen at the museum?
The museum preserves several original spaces, including the Yick Fung Mercantile, the Freeman SRO Hotel, a Canton Alley family apartment, and the Gee How Oak Tin Association room.
How did the museum respond to the 2023 vandalism?
With financial support from the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Commerce, the museum replaced the destroyed windows along Canton Alley with a decorative mural.