Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The month of May was chosen to mark the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.  This is a time to honor the many achievements and contributions that Asian and Pacific Islanders have made to our communities.  Below are some sites that offer a collection of lessons and resources for K-12 social studies, literature, and arts classrooms that center around the experiences, achievements, and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across U.S. history.  

• Teacher's Guide: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History in the U.S. 

Iowa Department of Human Rights

• Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs 

Commission of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs 

• Public Meeting & Film Screening Island Soldier

• Iowa Asian Alliance - CelebrAsian

Library of Congress 

• AAPI Heritage

• Monsoon's Pacific Islanders in Iowa: the PI in API/AAPI          

• Siouxland's 11th Annual Asian Festival