Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024!

On April 30th, a new exhibit opened in the Library’s Local History and Genealogy Room showcasing Governor Mark Warner’s trade mission to Japan and India in the spring of 2005 with a selection of documents and photographs. Trade with Japan was already well-established by 2005, as Japan was a leading importer of American goods and had significant business investments in the United States. Trade and investment with India were not as well established, but Virginia’s leaders hoped to be a part of India’s fast-growing economy.

Be sure to check the Library’s UncommonWealth blog throughout May! On May 6, Reference Archivist Cara Griggs will chronicle her efforts to determine why the Library has copies of the federal government publication Sinews of America in thirteen languages—including Chinese and Tagalog. She will also discuss a variety of useful resources for researching federal government publications.

On May 17th, we will explore the Southeast United States/Korea Economic Council meeting held in Williamsburg in November 1988. This conference provided an opportunity for the governors of seven states to network with representatives from South Korea and to promote trade between the two countries.

Finally, a revised Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Research Guide will be debuting in early May. This resource provides an overview of collections within the Library of Virginia and beyond that provide more information on the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American experience. The guide is a good place to start if you are creating a genealogy, doing historical research, or wish to learn more about APIDAs in Virginia and across the United States.