📌APIA Every Day (130) - The Rull Men's Meeting House, or "faluw," is a significant cultural structure in Yap District, serving as a central location for various activities among men. Built with a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing design, the faluw in Rull features a large, hexagonal floor plan with a raised platform made of stones and a floor covered with treated betelnut tree trunks. Its roofing comprises pandanus, nipa, and coconut leaves, supported by bamboo reeds and tied with coconut fiber ropes, maintaining its original design. The selection of a faluw's site typically prioritizes free access to the sea for fishing and transportation. Constructing a faluw involves a collective effort from the village, led by heads of households who gather necessary materials and coordinate with community members, including those of lower castes.

Traditionally, men's houses were used for planning war strategies and conducting rites of passage as well as a secluded meeting place for men to discuss local politics, fishing, and village affairs. It also serves as storage for vital fishing equipment and a training ground for young men in various skills, such as fighting, fishing, and navigation. The faluw symbolizes village pride, making it a key place to host important ceremonies, and provides shelter for travelers and high-ranking visitors. Today, they continue to serve as venues for community and village planning, adhering to modern governance, including laws administered by the United States. The Rull Men’s Meeting House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

📌APIA Every Day (129) - The Gin Lin Hydraulic Mining Site in Oregon’s Applegate Valley is named after Gin Lin, a Chinese entrepreneur who introduced hydraulic mining to the area. Hydraulic mining, a technique using high-pressure water to erode gold-bearing sediments from hillsides, greatly increased gold recovery but also caused environmental damage through the production of waste rock and debris. Gin Lin's operations were notably successful, leading to significant gold deposits in a Jacksonville bank.

The Chinese arrived in southwest Oregon by 1855. Gin Lin, the owner of the Gin Lin Mining Company, purchased claims along the lower Little Applegate River in 1864. He initially worked with one hydraulic system but added a second in 1878 and continued to expand. He was highly successful, reportedly earning millions from his mining operations. His hydraulic mining efforts left visible marks along the trail, showcasing the scale of his work. Gin Lin and his laborers’ efforts paid off, resulting in over a million dollars’ worth of gold dust deposited in Jacksonville.

The success of Chinese miners, including Gin Lin, led to tensions with other miners, exacerbated by cultural differences and resulting in discriminatory laws that unfairly taxed Chinese and other ethnic minorities. These laws, along with violence and theft, forced many Chinese miners to leave the area, with some taking jobs in railroad construction and others returning to China. The exact fate of Gin Lin remains uncertain, with one account suggesting he was robbed and fatally beaten upon his return to China. The mining site was recommended as a potential National Historic Landmark by the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study.

📌APIA Every Day (128) - The Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu, located within the Honolulu Memorial Park, showcase Japanese traditional-style architecture and garden design. Established in 1958 as a community service cemetery, the park saw significant development in 1964 when the Buddhist Federation of Honolulu endorsed the creation of monuments to honor Buddhist followers. Led by President Herbert M. Richards, the construction of the Sanju Pagoda and the Kinkaku-ji memorial was completed in July 1966.

The Sanju Pagoda, modeled after the Hokke-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, and the Kinkaku-ji, replicating Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, are standout features of the gardens. The pagoda stands 80 feet tall, constructed from concrete and steel, while the Kinkaku-ji, a three-story structure, features a steel frame and plaster finish. Surrounding the Kinkaku-ji is the Mirror Lake Garden, designed in the Muromachi style, reflecting traditional Japanese garden aesthetics.

In 1966, the gardens were renamed Kyoto Gardens following the donation of a bronze bell by Mayor Yoshizo Takayama of Kyoto. The bell, inscribed with messages of world peace and friendship between Honolulu and Kyoto, underscored the cultural significance of the site. The Kyoto Gardens were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

📌APIA Every Day (127) - The Panama Hotel, situated in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, was designed by Sabro Ozasa, the first Japanese American architect in Seattle, and completed in 1910. The building served as a workingman's hote featuring a sento (public bathhouse) in the basement, which was a central part of Japanese immigrant culture. The sento, Hashidate Yu, is one of only two intact sentos in the United States, reflecting the communal bathing practices that were essential in urban Japan.

During World War II, the Panama Hotel became a critical site for the Japanese American community in Seattle. Following Executive Order 9066 in 1942, many residents stored their belongings in the hotel's basement. The owner, Takashi Hori, provided a secure place for these possessions, which remained there throughout the war. After the war, many items were unclaimed, as numerous families did not return to Seattle. In 1985, Jan Johnson acquired the Panama Hotel and discovered the unclaimed belongings in the basement. Recognizing their historical value, she created a museum to display these items, offering a glimpse into the lives of Seattle's Japanese American community before and during the war. The collection includes photographs, clothes, and everyday items, providing valuable insights into the community's history.

It now operates as the Historic Panama Hotel Bed & Breakfast, maintaining its original early 20th-century charm. The Hashidate Yu is available for tours, and the hotel's Asian Tea and Coffee House remains a popular spot. The hotel continues to serve as a reminder of Seattle's Nihonmachi and the experiences of Japanese Americans during a turbulent period in U.S. history. The Panama Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and is a possible lodging option for APIAHiP’s 2024 National Forum in September!

📌APIA Every Day (126) - The 1830 Sutter Street building in San Francisco, California, home to the Japanese YWCA, is historically significant due to its connections to the Japanese American community and its broader social impacts. The building's history begins in 1912 when Issei women, facing exclusion from mainstream YWCA facilities due to segregationist policies, founded an independent Japanese YWCA. This organization aimed to provide social services specifically for Japanese women and girls.

Due to the 1913 Alien Land Law, which prohibited Japanese immigrants from owning property, the Issei women were unable to purchase land themselves. They received assistance from the San Francisco YWCA, which agreed to hold the property in trust for the Japanese YWCA. The funds for this purchase were raised within the Japanese community, demonstrating a collective effort to establish a permanent home for their organization.

In 1932, after the original structure was destroyed, architect Julia Morgan was commissioned to design the new building. The 1830 Sutter Street Building includes a dormitory, meeting rooms, offices, a kitchen, and an auditorium. The auditorium features a unique Noh theater stage, the only one in the western United States, used for performing classical Japanese dramas. The building also includes a tokonoma, a special alcove for tea ceremonies, and decorative wooden panels known as ranma, designed by artist Chiura Obata.

During World War II, the Japanese YWCA's activities were disrupted under Executive Order 9066. Many of the original founders did not return to San Francisco after the war, and knowledge of the land trust was nearly lost. In 1996, when the San Francisco YWCA attempted to sell the property, academic researchers and community activists uncovered documents proving the original trust agreement. The Soko Bukai, an organization of Japanese Christian Churches, along with other activists, fought a legal battle to enforce the trust and secure the property for the Japanese American community. This effort culminated in a 2002 settlement that allowed Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) to purchase the property. Nihonmachi Little Friends, a nonprofit childcare organization, continues the legacy of community service established by the Issei women. The Japanese YWCA building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

📌APIA Every Day (125) - The Hokukano-Ualapue Complex on the Island of Moloka’i, Hawai’i, is an important archaeological and architectural site that provides insight into the cultural and societal structures of ancient Hawaiian society. Located in the District of Kona, the complex includes seven heiaus (traditional places of worship) and two fishponds, Keawanui and Ualapue. These structures highlight the advanced engineering skills, religious practices, and political power structures that developed on Moloka’i. The heiau served various functions, from agricultural worship dedicated to the god Lono to large luakini heiau used for sacrificial rituals that underscored the paramount chief's authority. Iliiliopae Heiau, one of the oldest and largest heiau in the Hawaiian Islands, evolved over time to serve multiple religious functions, reflecting changing practices and political regimes.

The fishponds at Hokukano-Ualapue, such as Keawanui and Ualapue, demonstrate the innovative aquaculture techniques of ancient Hawaiians. Constructed around natural shoreline curvatures, these fishponds included seawalls and sluice gates that allowed fish to enter, feed, and grow, making them easy to harvest. Keawanui Fishpond, built around 1575, is the largest and possibly oldest on Molokai, showing the ali'i's (chiefs') ability to manage and utilize coastal resources effectively. Ualapue Fishpond, known for producing exceptionally fat mullet, was in continuous use until a tsunami in 1960 damaged its structure. These fishponds were not only food sources but also symbols of the ali'i's wealth and right to conspicuous consumption.

The Hokukano-Ualapue Complex is significant for its demonstration of the integrated religious, political, and economic systems of ancient Hawaiian society. The variety of heiau illustrates the complex religious practices, with rituals dedicated to major Hawaiian gods like Lono, Kane, Kanaloa, and Ku, while the fishponds emphasize the ali'i's economic control and social hierarchy. The complex was nominated as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

📌APIA Every Day (124) - The San Miguel Island abalone fishery, part of the Channel Islands National Park off the California coast, was initially inhabited by the Chumash people for over 13,000 years until European colonization in the late 18th century. Disease, food shortages, and the establishment of Catholic missions led to the relocation of the Chumash to the mainland by the 1820s, leaving the islands abandoned. In the next couple of decades, the abalone industry on San Miguel Island began to thrive from the 1850s to the 1880s, primarily driven by Chinese immigrants who adeptly harvested and processed abalone. By 1853, around 500 to 600 Chinese men were working on the island. However, restrictive laws and social prejudices eventually pushed these Chinese workers out of the industry, creating opportunities for Japanese and Euro-American individuals. The Japanese, in particular, introduced new techniques such as the hard-hat diving suit. Despite facing similar challenges, there is evidence that Japanese fishermen also worked in the fishery until restrictive legislation ultimately forced them out as well.

Archaeological investigations have revealed numerous artifacts and features that provide insights into the lives of the Chinese and Japanese fishermen on San Miguel Island. The site includes a large base camp at Adam’s Cove, several middens along the beaches, and other features such as stone windbreaks, wooden and stone drying slabs, and distinctive "hairpin" shaped hearths indicative of Chinese cultural practices. Personal items like ceramic sherds, glass bottles, buttons, smoking pipes, opium boxes, and carved sea lion teeth offer a glimpse into their daily lives. The reuse of campsites over time, evidenced by Japanese artifacts found on earlier Chinese sites, highlights the continuous occupation and adaptation by these communities.

The historical significance of the San Miguel Island abalone fishery lies in its reflection of the industrious efforts and contributions of Chinese and Japanese immigrants to the local and international economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study has recommended the site as a potential National Historic Landmark district.

📌APIA Every Day (123) - The Government House, located in Pago Pago, American Samoa, has served as the residence for U.S. naval commandants and later governors since the early 1900s. Captain U. Sebree initiated its construction in 1903, choosing a site with strategic views to host foreign dignitaries and represent American presence in the region. The house became an important venue for diplomatic interactions, hosting officials from Germany, France, Italy, New Zealand, and other nations.

During World War I and the subsequent seizure of German Samoa by New Zealand, diplomatic activities at Government House increased. The building continued to play a significant role during and after World War II, temporarily housing military governors and serving as a symbol of American governance in the South Pacific. In 1951, the administration of American Samoa transitioned from naval to civilian control, but Government House remained the official residence of the elected governor. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

📌APIA Every Day (122) - Kala Bagai, also known as "Jhaiji," was an infamous South Asian immigrant and community leader in California. Born in 1892, she and her husband Vaishno Das Bagai arrived in San Francisco in 1915 with their three young sons. Kala was one of the very few South Asian women in the United States at the time. Their arrival was mentioned in the San Francisco Call-Post, which noted her as the “first Hindu woman to enter the city in ten years.”

The Bagais faced severe racism, including being physically barred by neighbors from moving into their new home in Berkeley. Following the 1923 Supreme Court decision in United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind, Vaishno Das had his citizenship revoked, leading to his tragic suicide in 1928. Kala Bagai continued to raise her children, remarried family friend Mahesh Chandra, and embraced Western culture, eventually gaining U.S. citizenship in 1946 after the passage of the Luce-Celler Act. In Southern California, Kala became a community builder. She hosted cultural events and fostered connections between American and South Asian cultures. Her home became a hub for South Asians, promoting inclusivity and support for new immigrants. She continued this work until her death in 1983.

To honor her contributions, Berkeley renamed a two-block stretch of Shattuck Avenue to "Kala Bagai Way." This renaming recognizes her role as an immigrant from colonized India who overcame anti-immigrant attacks and helped establish one of the earliest South Asian communities in Southern California. The proposal received public support and endorsements from various councils and committees, including APIAHiP. Naming this street after Kala Bagai acknowledges her contributions to building a welcoming community and the presence and contributions of Asian Americans in Berkeley.

📌APIA Every Day (121) - Eglin Air Force Base in Valparaiso, Florida, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Fall of Saigon by serving as one of the four main U.S. Refugee Processing Centers in 1975 [See Day 62: Fort Chaffee and Day 104: Fort Indiantown Gap]. After the Fall of Saigon, Eglin's Auxiliary Field Two, known as "Tent City," housed and processed over 10,000 Southeast Asian refugees, including Vietnamese, Cambodians, and Laotians. This effort was part of the largest refugee resettlement in American history, accommodating more than 130,000 refugees who fled the conflict in their homelands.

The Gulf Coast states, including Florida, became home to about 15% of these initial refugees. Many found their way to the region through both chance and personal choice, often supported by local churches and community organizations. Organizations like Boat People SOS (BPSOS) were instrumental in helping these refugees integrate into American society. Despite significant language barriers and cultural differences, the Vietnamese community, in particular, found a natural fit in the Gulf Coast's fishing industry due to their skills and backgrounds.

Eglin Air Force Base's role extended beyond Vietnamese resettlement. In 1980, the base also processed over 10,000 Cuban refugees during the Mariel boatlift. These efforts highlight Eglin's adaptability beyond its primary military functions, serving as a resettlement camp for various refugee groups. The history of these resettlement efforts is reflected today in the thriving Vietnamese American community in the Gulf Coast area. Despite being less than 50 years old, the Refugee Processing Center at Eglin Air Force Base is recommended as a National Historic Landmark by the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study due to the integrity of the location and its association with Southeast Asian resettlement in the United States.

📌APIA Every Day (120) - The Rock Springs massacre occurred on September 2, 1885, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Chinese miners, injuries to 15 others, and the destruction of 78 Chinese homes. Starting in the late 1860s, the Union Pacific Railroad hired Chinese laborers for railroad construction; by the 1870s, these workers were scattered throughout southwestern Wyoming. In 1874, the Union Pacific Coal Company took control of local mining operations and began actively recruiting Chinese miners through the Beckwith-Quinn Company to resolve a labor dispute with union miners. This led to the arrival of approximately 400 Chinese miners in Rock Springs. The Beckwith-Quinn Company contract required Chinese miners to live in company housing and purchase supplies from the company, effectively segregating them from other miners. This arrangement fueled misunderstandings and resentment, exacerbated by regional anti-Chinese sentiment and economic competition.

On September 2, 1885, a dispute between Chinese laborers and a Euro-American miner escalated into a violent confrontation. American miners, primarily from the Knights of Labor, attacked Chinese miners at coal pit number six, resulting in the death of one Chinese worker. The violence quickly spread as armed miners attacked Chinatown in Rock Springs. They looted, beat, and murdered Chinese residents, burning many alive in their homes. The massacre left at least 28 Chinese miners dead and forced survivors to flee. In response to the massacre, the U.S. Army was deployed to restore order and escort surviving Chinese miners back to Rock Springs. Camp Pilot Butte was established to protect the miners and ensure the smooth operation of the coal mines, remaining until 1898. Despite the reconstruction of Chinatown, the Union Pacific Railroad did not increase its Chinese workforce after the massacre. By 1940, the Union Pacific no longer employed Chinese miners.

The Rock Springs massacre is a significant event in American history, highlighting the severe consequences of racial and economic tensions in the late 19th century. The Rock Springs Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, serves as a reminder of the historical struggles faced by Chinese immigrants and the broader issues of discrimination and economic exploitation during that period.

📌APIA Every Day (119) - The Taga Latte Stone Quarry at As Nieves in the Mariana Islands is a site of profound architectural, archeological, and cultural significance. First documented in 1925 by Hans G. Hornbostel of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, it is renowned for its well-preserved latte structures that remain near their original quarry pits. The site contains nine shafts and seven capstones, unique to the Mariana Islands. These structures date back to at least 845 AD and possibly continued to be built until the 16th century. Astonishingly, these massive stones were often transported over the sea and across land for several kilometers, showcasing the Chamorro people's incredible ingenuity and determination.

A typical latte stone setting consists of two large stones: a standing stone column (halagi) topped with a hemispherical capstone (tåsa). The flat side of the tåsa faces upward, and some experts believe its rounded shape was designed to prevent rats from climbing the pillars. These megaliths were typically located at ancient village sites and arranged in two parallel rows. According to early travelers' accounts, these structures likely served as foundations for buildings of special importance.

This remarkable site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1974 and was nominated as a National Historic Landmark designation due to its archeological and design significance within the context of Pacific Island heritage.

📌APIA Every Day (118) - The Hakone Historic District, located near Saratoga in the San Francisco Bay area, was established in 1915 by Oliver and Isabel Stine, inspired by Japanese exhibits at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. After Isabel Stine’s 1916 visit to Japan, the Stines enlisted Japanese architect Tsunematsu Shintani and landscape architect Naoharu Aihara to design the estate using traditional Japanese materials and craftsmanship. The resulting villa and gardens reflected the traditional shoin-zukuri and sukiya-zukuri architectural styles, integrating natural beauty with architectural elegance.

The Stines used Hakone extensively for cultural events, including Kabuki performances and the West Coast premiere of Puccini’s "Madame Butterfly" in 1923. In 1932, the estate was sold to Major Charles Lee Tilden, who, with the help of Japanese-trained gardener James Sasaki, further enhanced the gardens by adding structures like the mon gate and moon bridge. Ownership passed within Tilden's family until 1961, when a group of Saratoga residents bought it, maintaining it as a private retreat until the City of Saratoga purchased Hakone in 1966 to prevent its subdivision.

In the following years, Kyoto-trained gardener Tanso Ishihara and architect Kiyoshi Yasui worked on restoring and expanding the gardens. Since 2000, the Hakone Foundation has managed the site, ensuring the preservation of its historic gardens, including the Hill and Pond Garden, Zen Garden, Tea Garden, and the Bamboo Garden added in 1987. The Hakone Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 and was recommended as a potential National Historic Landmark in the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study.

📌APIA Every Day (117) - The Moore Gulch Chinese Mining Site in Idaho's Clearwater National Forest is a crucial historical landmark, providing insights into the experiences of Chinese laborers from 1870 to 1900. This site is part of the Pierce Mining District, which originated with E.D. Pierce's discovery of gold on September 30, 1860. This discovery ignited the North Idaho gold rush, drawing thousands of miners and rapidly creating boom towns.

As richer gold deposits were found in Elk City, Florence, and Warrens, many miners left Pierce. This opened opportunities for Chinese miners, who began arriving around 1864 to work the less profitable claims left behind. Despite significant resistance and formal prohibitions, by 1870, Pierce had 461 Chinese residents compared to 136 whites and Hawaiian natives, and one Black person. By 1880, the Chinese population had grown to 708, making up the majority of Shoshone County's population.

The presence of Chinese miners was not without conflict. The Pierce Chinese Massacre on September 18, 1885, triggered by mercantile rivalry and worsening racial tensions led to a diplomatic investigation in 1886 after Emperor Kuang-hsu of China protested the treatment of his citizens. Despite this tragic event, the Chinese community in Pierce played a vital role in the local economy. The Moore Gulch site, with its mining infrastructure, living quarters, and discarded materials, offers valuable insights into their daily lives and economic interactions. By examining artifacts and their origins, researchers can trace the complex economic networks that sustained the Chinese miners and linked them to the broader American economy.

The Moore Gulch Chinese Mining Site is a significant historical resource, helping us understand the contributions and hardships of Chinese laborers in Idaho's mining history. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and was recommended as National Historic Landmark by the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study.

📌APIA Every Day (116) - Situated in Stockton, California, lies the ethnic neighborhood of Little Manila. In the 1930s, waves of young Filipino men arrived in California after the 1924 Immigration Act, attracted to agricultural jobs in the Central Valley. As the demand for cheap labor grew, the pool dwindled due to the legislation, and Filipinos filled the need for able-bodied workers. Facing racism and discriminatory laws that barred Filipinos from entering areas exclusively for White people, Filipino Americans built their own community south of Main Street, where they opened businesses and created a strong Filipino community known as Little Manila.

Throughout the next century, many Filipino men organized labor unions and held strikes against exploitative farmers. Infamous Filipino leaders such as Larry Itliong, Andy Imutan, Chris Mensalvas, Ernesto Mangaoang, Carlos Bulosan, and Philip Vera Cruz worked out of Stockton and led the strikes and unions that occurred in the area. By 1946, after anti-miscegenation laws were changed, Filipino women began migrating to the area as well, making Stockton’s Little Manila the largest Filipino community in the U.S.

Unfortunately, in the next decade, large sections of Little Manila, as well as Stockton’s Chinatown and Japantown, were bulldozed by the city to create space for the Crosstown Freeway, gas stations, McDonald’s and, ironically, an Asian-themed strip mall. Generations of Filipinos were heartbroken to see the thriving Filipino community subjected to these changes and the loss of its rich history. In 2001, Filipinos worked together to have the city designate the site as the Little Manila Historic Site which was designated in the following year.

While Little Manila’s original buildings no longer exist, efforts are being made by nearby Filipino organizations, such as Little Manila Rising, to remember the longstanding Filipino history in Stockton. The site was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as "one of the eleven most endangered historic sites in America" in 2003 and recommended by the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Themes Study as a potential National Historic Landmark.

📌APIA Every Day (115) - The Lahaina Historic District, situated in Maui, Hawai’i, served as the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Under King Kamehameha's reign over the island of Hawai’i, he designated the district as his royal residence and erected the "Brick Palace," one of the earliest Western-designed buildings in the Hawaiian Islands. Lahaina retained its status as the capital from 1820 to 1845. In 1819, the arrival of the first American whaling ships in Lahaina transformed the area into a primary Pacific port for North Pacific whaling fleets. This establishment attracted immigrants to the island, who in turn opened various businesses. A few years later, missionaries visited the island and established churches, leading to the creation of Waiola Cemetery, the final resting place for Hawaiian kings, queens, and missionary advisors to the Hawaiian monarchy.

Despite Lahaina's growth, tensions arose between sailors from the whaling ships and the local populace. "Blue Laws" were implemented to regulate the sale of spirits and liquors to sailors. In response, the Royal Governor of Maui constructed Lahaina Fort on the waterfront, the reconstructed remains of which can still be seen in Banyan Court Park. By the 1860s, the whaling industry began to decline, prompting the relocation of the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i to Honolulu, Oahu. Although Lahaina was occasionally used as a royal residence, the 1850s saw the emergence of sugar plantations. Chinese immigrants arrived in Hawai’i as contract laborers to work on the sugar plantations, with some settling in Lahaina by 1909. The influence of Chinese migration can be observed in some of the area's buildings.

The rich history of Lahaina, characterized by the influences of American, European, and Asian cultures with the local population, has significantly shaped the environment. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1962, Lahaina faced a devastating event in August 2023 when a series of wildfires swept through Maui, including Lahaina. Several buildings in the area were destroyed, and many residents, particularly Native Hawaiians, were displaced. How can we honor the history of the Lahaina historic district while acknowledging the impact of the fires on the local population?

📌APIA Every Day (114) - The Pearl S. Buck House, formerly known as Green Hills Farm, stands as a historic site nestled in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. This estate served as the residence of Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck from 1933 until her passing in 1973. Originally constructed in 1825, the Pearl S. Buck House showcases exemplary 19th-century Pennsylvanian architecture fashioned from coursed fieldstone. Over the years, Buck made significant modifications and additions to the farmhouse, including the incorporation of a two-story fieldstone wing and two libraries. Here, Buck not only wrote several books but also raised her family, pursued her humanitarian interests, and cultivated her passion for gardening.

Beyond the physical structure, the Pearl S. Buck House carries a profound cultural legacy. Born in 1892, Buck spent her early years in China, where her parents had been missionaries since 1880. Her family returned to China from the U.S shortly after her birth, preferring to live among the Chinese rather than in a missionary compound. Growing up, Buck had intimate interactions with the Chinese people, speaking their language, playing with local children, and absorbing their culture firsthand. Despite her immersion in Chinese life, Buck's parents also exposed her to American culture, celebrating American holidays and providing meals with American influences. Buck's education extended beyond traditional schooling; she was tutored by a Confucian scholar in Chinese history, writing, and reading. In 1910, Buck returned to the United States to attend Randolph-Macon Woman's College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy in 1914. She briefly taught psychology at the college before returning to China to care for her ailing mother.

In 1917, Buck married John Lossing Buck, an American agricultural missionary, and the couple spent their early years together in a small town in North China. It was here that Buck's experiences provided the inspiration for her most famous work, "The Good Earth." Buck's empathetic portrayal of Chinese life in her literary works earned her the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1938. Through her writings and initiatives such as the East-West Association and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, she tirelessly worked to dispel stereotypes and cultivate appreciation for Chinese culture, leaving a mark on American literature and society.

Today, the Pearl S. Buck House has been transformed into a museum and is managed by Pearl S. Buck International, a charitable nonprofit organization committed to advancing intercultural education and humanitarian aid. Welcoming approximately 17,000 visitors annually, the house offers insights into Pearl S. Buck's remarkable history and contributions, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1980.

📌APIA Every Day (113) - Located in Newell, California, the Tule Lake Segregation Center serves as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in American history. Initially established in 1942 as a War Relocation Center, it was repurposed into a high-security Segregation Center the following year, primarily for Japanese Americans deemed "disloyal" to the U.S. The camp received its first wave of prisoners mainly from Washington and California, later extending to include individuals from Hawai’i and Oregon. Tule Lake, the last camp to close, held a population exceeding its intended capacity, resulting in overcrowded conditions.

Families were allocated one room furnished minimally with a single light bulb, a coal stove, and army cots. Community mess halls served meals, disrupting traditional family dynamics, while sanitation facilities lacked privacy, resembling military setups with open latrines and shower areas. Despite the harsh conditions, efforts were made to maintain a semblance of normalcy through cultural events such as harvest festivals, dances, and sports like baseball. The camp's infrastructure evolved to accommodate various needs, repurposing buildings into stores, canteens, religious spaces, and recreational facilities.

As tensions escalated within the Segregation Center, security measures intensified, including the addition of barbed wire fencing, guard towers, and military patrols. Discontent among the incarcerated population led to internal conflicts, protests, and clashes with the authorities. The Army assumed control of the camp in late 1943, imposing martial law. A stockade area was established, serving as a detention center for those deemed disloyal. Additionally, President Roosevelt's signing of Public Law 405 in 1944 allowed for the renunciation of U.S. citizenship, prompting a significant number of Japanese Americans at Tule Lake to consider this option. Misinformation further fueled anxieties, leading to a surge in applications for repatriation to Japan. However, many renunciations were driven by coercion, misinformation, and fear rather than genuine desire to go to Japan.

By the end of 1945, with other relocation centers closed, Tule Lake faced the task of repatriating renunciants. Legal challenges delayed deportations, and hearings were held for those seeking to rescind their renunciations. Ultimately, only a fraction of the camp's population faced deportation. The Tule Lake Segregation Center officially closed in 1946 and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 2006.

📌APIA Every Day (112) - Boston's Chinatown in Massachusetts holds a rich history of the early Chinese immigrants who arrived in the mid-19th century. Initially, Chinese immigrants came to New England as merchants and laborers seeking economic opportunities. However, the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 severely restricted Chinese immigration, resulting in a predominantly male population in Chinatown, often referred to as a "bachelor society."

Despite the challenges posed by the Exclusion Act, Chinese immigrants managed to establish a community in Boston's South Cove area, characterized by low rent and land values, providing essential services and a sense of home. Many turned to opening laundries due to exclusion from manufacturing and construction jobs, leading to the proliferation of Chinese-owned businesses along major transportation routes. Hostility towards Chinese immigrants, exemplified by speeches like Denis Kearney's in 1878, which strongly opposed Chinese laborers, resulted in discriminatory actions. Such actions were evident in the 1903 police raid, during which policemen forced Chinese Americans to produce citizenship documents during funeral ceremonies. However, nearby residents rallied a few days later in support of the Chinese community, highlighting concerns over individual liberties.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake inadvertently aided Chinese residents in gaining citizenship, facilitating the formation of families and a gradual increase in Chinatown's population. With the rise of families, community organizations like the Denison Settlement House and the Kwong Kow Language School emerged, providing essential services and cultural education to immigrants and their children. Today, Boston's Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown behind Manhattan and San Francisco, marking the area's commitment to preserving Chinese heritage and culture. With the Chinatown’s history, the area is considered a potential National Historic Landmark in the National Park Service’s AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study.

📌APIA Every Day (111) - Situated on the island of Wailuku, Hawai’i, the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve, the smallest of the eight main volcanic islands of the Hawaiian Islands, holds rich historical and cultural significance. It is said that the island is the physical embodiment of the Hawai’ian god of the sea, Kanaloa, who took the form of an octopus to represent the island. Archaeological findings suggest early Hawaiian settlement dating back to 400 A.D., with evidence indicating the island's role as a navigational hub, adze quarry, agricultural center, and site for religious ceremonies. Despite its historical importance, Kahoʻolawe has faced challenges, including erosion and sparse population due to limited freshwater sources. Over time, it served various purposes, from a brief period as a penal colony to its eventual use as a U.S. Navy bombing range.

In response to growing concerns, efforts arose to reclaim Kahoʻolawe, culminating in legal action by the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana (PKO) group in 1976. Despite setbacks, activists like Walter Ritte emerged as leaders in the movement for Hawaiian rights and environmental conservation. In 1993, Senator Daniel Inouye initiated the transfer of Kahoʻolawe and its surrounding waters to Hawai’i, aiming for environmental restoration and cultural preservation. This led to the establishment of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, responsible for overseeing the area for future Native Hawaiian management. Restoration efforts have focused on erosion control, vegetation reestablishment, and the removal of invasive species, guided by a commitment to native Hawaiian cultural practices. A business plan proposed in 2015 outlined steps for ecological restoration, including the removal of feral animals and addressing regulatory and financial considerations.

Today, the island remains uninhabited and represents Hawaiian heritage as well as ongoing efforts toward cultural and environmental preservation. The reserve was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.