Amata Cosponsors Study of National Museum of AAPI History and Culture in DC

Statement

Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata has cosponsored the bipartisan Commission toStudy the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act (H.R. 3525), introduced by Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY).

This legislation would create a bipartisan commission to examine the practicalities of creating the first museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

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This beautiful siapo mamanu by Master Tufuga Su'a Wilson Fitiao will hang in American Samoa's congressional office
This beautiful siapo mamanu by Master Tufuga Su'a Wilson Fitiao was recently displayed in a prestigious New York City art gallery, shown here in DC with dance professional Tony Meredith of Leone.

"We are the caretakers of our culture and fa'a Samoa," Amata said. "In this future museum, the people of the United States could view displays that tell part of the story of our island heritage and ancient culture, along with the variety represented in the many other Pacific communities. The nation's capital city already has such national museums dedicated to both African American and Native American history, while taken in combination, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population."

The legislation creates an eight-member panel of experts in elements of museum planning or AAPI research and culture to establish the viability of a new museum in the nation's capital.

The Commission would make recommendations to Congress, begin an action plan, followed by a contributing fundraising plan, identify possible locations, seek out independent review of the practicality of the ongoing planning, and submit a study to Congress.

As part of that 18-month study process, the Commission would determine if such a museum should be part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex.

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