50 Years - The Diasporic Journey of Southeast Asians in Minnesota

Partners: The SEAD (Southeast Asian Diaspora) Project, University of Minnesota Department of Communications Studies, Immigration History Research Center (IHRC)

In light of the 50th anniversary of significant Southeast Asian immigration to the U.S., and Minnesota in particular, that began at the end of the Vietnam War, primarily composed of U.S. allies in the region and their families, the partners will capture stories reflective of multiple Southeast Asian community experiences since migration over the ensuing 50 years. The initiative aims to preserve first-person narratives from SEA communities in Minnesota through four storytelling sessions, which will be transcribed, translated into four heritage languages, and compiled into the Digital Storytelling Archives using ArcGIS StoryMaps. This digital platform will feature interactive stories, maps, images, and videos alongside a historically accurate timeline of the SEA diaspora's journey to Minnesota, creating an accessible public resource that documents 50 years of migration experiences while contributing to Minnesota's cultural landscape.