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| On display Thursday, May 12, 2005 Story by Anh Do. Photos by Benjamin Vu 
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Ahead to May of 2006, to be precise. That’s when the Smithsonian Institution’s first-ever exhibit on Vietnamese Americans and their resettlement will take center stage in a much-anticipated debut. The show, focusing on the escape of families, their sacrifice and their survival, has already garnered more than $100,000 in support from donors across the nation. But boosters last week asked for more. Museum officials gathered nearly 200 men and women at the Freer Gallery of Art, inside the huge Smithsonian complex, to explain why. “The Vietnamese American population certainly is one of the critical ones that can help illuminate American history,” said Franklin Odo, Smithsonian’s director of Asian Pacific American programs. He asked the crowd to share the news of what’s being planned and to open their wallets to help make it happen. “There’s no finer organization to showcase Vietnamese Americans,” added Frank Jao, president of Bridgecreek, the premier developer of Little Saigon in Southern California. He is a member of the Founder’s Circle — 31 individuals or groups — who gave in the first phase of fund raising, totaling $107,000. Another $80,000 must be collected for installation and to allow the material to travel in the United States for two to three years. “I and all of us here tonight, I’m sure, will give the best support we can,” Jao said. He spoke to an audience that had come to Washington for the Vietnamese American National Gala, a star-studded celebration of cultural heritage and pride. This throng was among the events leading up to the VANG dinner. Why give? Organizers passed out a list offering inspiration: The exhibit honors the triumph of the Vietnamese people against overwhelming odds. The Smithsonian has the resources and distribution to reach a national audience. The staff of the APA Program, led by Odo, will create curriculum and events to blend into the show, maximizing its learning potential. Any amount is appreciated, but only donations $2,500 or above will be thanked publicly, says development consultant Francey Youngberg. “Do you see yourself” when you go to museums, she asked listeners. “Do you see the story of your family? Can you bring your children and see Vietnamese American history being reflected?” To motivate potential donors and to allow participants a glimpse of what will go on display, researcher Vũ Phạm delved deeper. He titled his presentation: “Who are Vietnamese Americans?” “What comes to mind when you hear the words Vietnamese Americans?” he questioned, citing a list: “War. Refugees. Gangs. Nail salons. Fish sauce. Ardent anti-communists.” Phạm, who holds a Ph.D. from New York’s Cornell University and whose work focuses on this group of immigrants, is working with Smithsonian staff to plan the exhibit content. He says he wants to share the challenges and contributions of Vietnamese Americans, along with the diversity of their daily life. The challenges: Migration. Adaptation. Generational differences. The isolation of the elderly to the education of youth. Then there’s the language barrier. The contributions, what these people have offered their new country, include: Entrepreneurs. Technology. Shining achievements in sports, entertainment, media, arts, literature, government, along with participation in nonprofit organizations and building Little Saigon communities. He talked about Web site news and lesson plans and an exhibit, he says, that would do the community “proud.” Supporters say they can’t wait. “The Smithsonian would be the best place” and most “prestigious place to exhibit our culture,” said Nguyễn Xuân Ngài, board chairman for Viet Heritage Society, a donor based in San Jose. “This is the first project that requires our contribution on a national scale,” said Thanh Nguyễn, a board member of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. “Community actions are what counts.” “We’re very excited that we can find a museum to exhibit the past, the present and the future of Vietnamese Americans,” added Jackie Bông-Wright, author of “Autumn Cloud: from Việt Nam War Widow to American Activist” who lives in Virginia. “All of us have to be involved, to contribute a piece of art, an idea or finances.” | |||||
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