A Message From AIISF’s Executive Director

I recently returned from a trip to see my family in Thailand. Every time I visit, I always ponder what my life would be like if my parents hadn’t decided to immigrate to the US. Would I have had the same opportunities and experiences? Pursued a similar career path? How would I be similar or different from the person I am today?

Given that we were the only ones to ever come to the US, these trips also remind me of how much my parents sacrificed to pursue the American dream. Being an ocean apart from all of our extended family, they missed countless birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, and so many other family milestones and moments.

For the Angel Island immigrants who crossed oceans to come the US, many did so with the understanding that they might never see their families ever again. We now live in a time when technology allows us to cross an ocean in 24 hours instead of 2 weeks. When video calls allow us to not only hear the voices of our loved ones but also to see their faces and expressions.

While never forgetting our biological families, many immigrants create new “families” here in the US. Perhaps with people with whom we might share common heritage or identity. Or with those whom we share common interests or values. Thank you for being part of the AIISF family, and we hope to see you soon out on Angel Island, at one of our virtual events, or at our upcoming Annual Gala and Immigrant Heritage Awards.

With gratitude,

Edward Tepporn

AIISF Executive Director

Gala 2024

Saturday, April 20 | The Conservatory at One Sansome | 6 - 9 pm

Our annual Gala is coming up next month! Join us on Saturday, April 20th at The Conservatory at One Sansome in San Francisco for an elegant evening of delicious cuisine, memorable performances, and the chance to mix and mingle with AIISF’s extended network of friends, supporters, and community partners.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Upcoming Events

Del Sol Quartet Performance

Del Sol Quartet Performance

Saturday, March 23 | Detention Barracks Museum on Angel Island | 11:30 and 1:30 pm

We are thrilled to welcome the Del Sol Quartet back to Angel Island on Saturday, March 23.

They will be playing a 35 minute meditation from Huang Ruo's A Dust in Time, a piece inspired by Tibetan sand mandalas.

There will be two performances: one at 11:30 am and one at 1:30 pm.

All ages are welcome! There will be hands-on family activities in the Angel Island Immigration Museum from 11-1:30.

Free with paid admission to the Detention Barracks Museum.

Explore Angel Island History in Chinatown

Saturday, March 30 | 12 - 3 pm | Rose Pak Upper Plaza

Join us at Rose Pak Upper Plaza on Saturday, March 30 to learn about Angel Island through art and other activities.

This free event is aimed at children and families but all are welcome!

Bilingual support will be available.

Gateways in Dialogue Part II: Dining in Detention

Wednesday, April 10 | 5 - 6 pm PST | On Zoom

Join us on Zoom on April 10 for the second event in our ongoing collaborative series with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. This time we'll be discussing food and dining experiences at the Ellis Island and Angel Island immigration stations. What kind of food was served and by who? Where did people eat and how much did they spend on meals?

We welcome new participants who did not attend Part I of the series. If you're curious about what was covered in our first session, you can watch the recording on YouTube here.

This event is free but pre-registration is required.

Community and Partner Events

The Far Country

March 8 to April 14 | Berkeley Repertory Theater

Following a critically acclaimed debut in New York, Pulitzer Prize finalist Lloyd Suh and Obie Award-winning director Eric Ting brings The Far Country back to its roots in a triumphant West Coast premiere.

The cast and creative team of The Far Country recently visited Angel Island for a tour with AIISF — read more in this article from the SF Chronicle.

Thank you to Berkeley Repertory Theater for offering a discount to AIISF supporters. Use the code "AI20" to receive a 20% discount (except for March 13 opening night).

OBC's Dancing Moons Festival

March 13 - 16 | April 5 - 6

This year, Oakland Ballet Company (OBC) and Oakland Asian Cultural Center are hosting their Dancing Moons Festival again this year.

They will reprise Layer Upon Layer by Caili Quan, Ballet de Porcelaines by Phil Chan and highlights from Exquisite Corpse by Elaine Kudo, Seyong Kim and Phil Chan.

They are also presenting several works in progress based on Huang Ruo’s Angel Island Oratorio.

Thank you to the Oakland Ballet Company for offering a 15% discount on tickets for supporters of AIISF. Use the code "DMF15" at checkout.

Taken From Their Families at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose

March 28 - June 23 | Opening Reception March 30 at 10 am

AIISF's travelling exhibit Taken From Their Families: Japanese American Incarceration on Angel Island During World War II will be on view at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose from March 28 to June 23, 2024.

An opening program and reception with co-curator Grant Din will be held on March 30 from 10 am - 12 pm.