Chinese American Museum of Chicago

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) seeks to advance the appreciation of Chinese American culture through exhibitions, education and research and to preserve the past, present and future of Chinese Americans primarily in the American Midwest. This four-story building was built in 1896 as a warehouse, and was later home to the Quong Yick Co., before the museum opened its doors in 2005. Damaged in a 2008 fire, the museum renovated and reopened as the Raymond B. & Jean T. Lee Center in 2010. A temporary exhibit, "Attic Treasures II," spotlights a number of objects not previously publicly displayed in the museum. These objects range from historic furniture, photographs and paintings to treasured jewelry, teapots and other items lovingly saved over generations. The permanent exhibit, "Great Wall to Great Lakes: Chinese Immigration to the Midwest," details immigrant journeys to the Chicago area and beyond, exploring when, how and why many Chinese who came to America settled in the Midwest. Also on permanent display is the short film "My Chinatown: Stories from Within," which tells stories of the people of Chinatown—their journeys, customs, work and families.