Museum Hosts Special Exhibition During Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

[Albuquerque, NM] The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History will debut a temporary exhibit beginning May 1, 2024, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month. The exhibit explores and recognizes the contributions, scientific achievements, and impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander scientists and engineers.

The poster exhibition in the museum’s Periodic Hall showcases individuals like microbiologist Yee Ching Wong-Staal’s work in AIDS research to Ellison Onizuka, the first person of Japanese descent to fly in space. Asian Americans and Pacific Islander mathematicians, scientists, and inventors have contributed broadly to our nation's greatness and helped change our world.

"We are honored to highlight the achievements and contributions of these outstanding individuals," said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. "The contributions of these scientists enrich our nation, and we hope this exhibit will offer new inspirational role models for future generations."

AAPI Heritage Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration, and in 1992, May was designated permanently as the commemorative month. May was chosen to memorialize the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to honor the transcontinental railroad’s completion on May 10, 1869, built by as many as 20,000 Chinese workers.

James Stemm, Curator at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, provided the research for the exhibit.

The AAPI exhibition is included in the Museum's admission price. This special exhibition will be displayed at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History from May 1 through May 31. For more information, please visit nuclearmuseum.org.

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