San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, San Diego

One of a kind in San Diego, the Chinese Historical Museum does a great job of telling the story of the people who came to Chinatown in the 1800s to work in gold mines, fish for tuna, and build railroads. The Museum’s permanent exhibition is housed in a mission-style building that had previously, for 30 years, accommodated the Chinese Community Church (formerly the Chinese Mission). Here, among other things, the English language classes were offered to new immigrants who often resided in adjacent dormitories.

By 1960, the Chinese community had relocated from downtown San Diego and the adobe building on First Avenue had fallen into disuse. It was slated for demolition in the late 1980s, but thanks to the efforts of The Chinese Historical Society of Greater San Diego and Baja California (established in 1986 to preserve and uphold Chinese and Chinese American history and culture) was rescued and eventually relocated to 404 Third Avenue.

Following relocation and renovation, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (SDCHM) was finally born in 1996. Presently encompassing three downtown facilities and a Chinese-style courtyard garden with sculptures and a koi pond, SDCHM boasts thousands of ethnographic artifacts. The museum’s exhibits share the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community and the essence of Chinese arts and culture through historic photographs, miniature models, ancient items and explanatory text. Special events also celebrate holidays like the Chinese New Year, the Moon Festival, and Veterans Day.

At 9am on Saturdays all are welcome to a free Tai Chi/Qi Gong class. There's also an active monthly lecture program at a nearby building and a special exhibit, plus small gift counter, in the annex across the street. Admission is a real deal and includes all three venues. On a side note, they offer tours in English and Mandarin, which can be a nice choice for some.