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SAT · MAY 9 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Resilience: A History of Chinese Milwaukee

ft. Sara Wong

Forest Home Cemetery· 2405 West Forest Home Avenue
$10 · 0+ · Tickets
Curious MindsTourist FriendlyHistory Buffs
Visit Site

Explore Milwaukee's Chinese heritage with a walking tour in Forest Home Cemetery.

Part I

The details

About this event

This walking tour offers a deep dive into the history of Chinese immigrants in Milwaukee, guided by docent Sara Wong. Starting from 1874, the tour explores the contributions and challenges faced by Chinese-American families in Wisconsin. You'll learn about the cultural and religious traditions that have been preserved and celebrated over generations.

The tour takes place in Forest Home Cemetery, where you'll find historical markers and hear stories of resilience and community building. It's an educational experience that highlights the impact of Chinese immigrants on local culture and commerce. This is a must for history buffs and anyone interested in the diverse tapestry of Milwaukee's past.

From the organizer

Meet Chinese immigrants and Chinese-American Milwaukeeans whose traditions, activism and entrepreneurism forever shaped our city and state. Docent Sara Wong introduces us to the city’s first Chinese immigrants and Chinese-American families, chronicling their contributions to Wisconsin culture and commerce. Only two historical markers recognize the state’s early Chinese immigrants, one on King Drive; the other in Sec. 48 of Forest Home. Resilience begins in 1874 and Sec. 48. A generation of “bachelors”—laborers who arrived alone in the U.S. and couldn't marry or reunite with family under the Chinese Exclusion Act—are laid to rest and remembered here. Early to mid-twentieth century immigrants and Chinese-American Milwaukeeans raise families, open businesses and establish cultural and religious organizations. Resilience traces their successful efforts to dismantle the discrimination and isolation experienced by earlier generations and ancestors. Wong’s tour covers personal history, multi-generational families and touches on Chinese religious and memorialization traditions like the Ching Ming Festival (grave-sweeping day). Walk and learn with us and embrace the power of culture and community on this vibrant, first-of-its-kind historical tour.
— Forest Home Historic Preservation Association

Getting in

  • Tickets

    Tickets available online

  • Registration required — must sign up

What's It Actually Like?

Energy2/5
ZenMosh Pit
Intimate
Conversational

Who'll Be There

Likely a mix of local residents interested in history, members of the Chinese-American community, educators, and individuals seeking to learn about cultural contributions. Expect a mature crowd, possibly including families and older adults.

What You'll Leave With

Just the experience

Part II · The feel

How it feels

The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.

You'll leave with

Just the experience

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