The following article was submitted by Exhibition Coordinator, Dr. Kaonou Hang-Vue, and Julia Lee, the Youth Services Manager at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Manitowoc Public Library is proud to host our second exhibit celebrating Hmong Americans in our community! The exhibit, titled “A Hmongment in History,” will run from May 9 to June 4 and gives a detailed look at the timeline of the Hmong people’s journey to America. It honors the struggles, successes, and spirit of Hmong Americans. We are thrilled to be working again with the fabulous and amazing Dr. Kaonou Hang-Vue, who has curated the exhibit with the help of Manitowoc Public Library staff member, Greg Jirik.
Kaonou Hang-Vue
While the collaborative exhibit last year highlighted aspects of Hmong culture, this year’s exhibit focuses more on the history of the Hmong people, starting as far back as 6,000 B.C.E and going up until about 2015. The informational panels on display come from the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Panel information was generously given to the “Hmongment in History” coordinators in a digital format, which was then printed on the beautiful boards you see in the exhibit. In addition to the informational panels, there are also several cultural items such as a qeej, paj ntaub (story cloths), and a very special paj ntaub made from Legos! A very special thank you to Pastor Greg Rhodes from Minnesota who generously is lending his beautiful work to the exhibit.
We are celebrating the opening of “A Hmongment in History” with a reception on Saturday, May 14, from 10 AM to12 PM. Beginning at 10:30, the public can enjoy a host of activities including a reading of the Hmong American Day proclamation by Manitowoc Mayor, Justin Nickels, dancers, musicians, a fashion show, delicious food, and more!
Julia Lee
Did we mention that this event is totally FREE? And no registration is required. Special thanks goes out to the exhibit sponsors and opening ceremony donors: Safe Harbor, Incourage, FoodWIse Extension, Hmong Health & Community Development, Manitowoc County Health & Human Services, U.S. Special Guerilla Unit, Pa’s Bakery, Guardianship Home Health Care, Niki Lee of Homestead Realty, Boua Fue Hang, Pa Vang of Georgeson Realty.
So, seize the “Hmongment” and we’ll see you at MPL for this wonderful exhibition!
