Walking Tours
2–3 hours
Taking safety measures
from
$15.90
per adult
Chinese Historical Society of America
Chinese Historical Society of America
Chinese Historical Society of America
4.5
Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Educational sites • Art Museums • History Museums
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Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to the interpretation, promotion, and preservation of the history and contributions of the Chinese in America. Since 1963, CHSA has strived to be a responsible steward of the remarkable narrative of the Chinese American community. CHSA promotes the contributions and legacy of the Chinese in America through its exhibitions, publications, and educational and public programs in the Museum and Learning Center. We are housed in the landmark Julia Morgan-designed Chinatown YWCA building at 965 Clay Street, San Francisco.
Tours and Tickets by Chinese Historical Society of America
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(24 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
57 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
14
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Margaret H
Oakland, CA191 contributions
Sep 2019 • Business
I spent the day at the Chinese Historical Society of America. This first photo is a piece of embroidery was made by a woman “detained” inside Angel Island (a very different experience from Ellis Island). By not widely teaching this history and learning from it, we condemn ourselves to continue to repeat it.
Unlike Ellis Island, where Europeans were subject to restrictions that precluded entrance for some but not most immigrants, the Angel Island Immigration Station employed discriminatory policies that were used to prevent Asians from immigrating. This approach was an outgrowth and implementation of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which had resulted from years of racial hostility by white Americans against immigrant Chinese labourers.
Did you know that birthright citizenship was secured by a supreme court case that was brought by a Chinese American born in SF? Did you know that the Chinese being prevented from participating in two branches of government by the Chinese Exclusion Act, banded together to file judicial cases and appeals relentlessly?
I did not know the architect, Julia Morgan, designed this structure. The building was formally a YWCA, with separate entrances for Chinese women and white women. What a unique opportunity to learn about the contributions of Chinese Americans and what they have suffered to pave the way for the current generation.
When you are done visiting, you can walk a few steps to fabulous Chinese Bakeries and restaurants or the fortune cookie factory since you are in SF’s Chinatown. They even provide you with maps to them inside the museum.
If you want to do something off the beaten path, this place is a definite possibility.
Unlike Ellis Island, where Europeans were subject to restrictions that precluded entrance for some but not most immigrants, the Angel Island Immigration Station employed discriminatory policies that were used to prevent Asians from immigrating. This approach was an outgrowth and implementation of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which had resulted from years of racial hostility by white Americans against immigrant Chinese labourers.
Did you know that birthright citizenship was secured by a supreme court case that was brought by a Chinese American born in SF? Did you know that the Chinese being prevented from participating in two branches of government by the Chinese Exclusion Act, banded together to file judicial cases and appeals relentlessly?
I did not know the architect, Julia Morgan, designed this structure. The building was formally a YWCA, with separate entrances for Chinese women and white women. What a unique opportunity to learn about the contributions of Chinese Americans and what they have suffered to pave the way for the current generation.
When you are done visiting, you can walk a few steps to fabulous Chinese Bakeries and restaurants or the fortune cookie factory since you are in SF’s Chinatown. They even provide you with maps to them inside the museum.
If you want to do something off the beaten path, this place is a definite possibility.
Written September 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so appreciative and thrilled to have read your review MargeH168!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our museum. We are wholeheartedly dedicated in our mission of preserving the legacy and history of the Chinese in the United States and the support of visitors like you is such a positive motivator.
We're glad to learn how much you've learned and we encourage you to continue sharing in our mission by sharing with others the new things you've learned while at the Chinese Historical Society of America.
We hope you consider us again the future! We have upcoming programs and events wherein we bring the community together to learn and discuss different topics and fields related to the narrative of Chinese American history!
We look forward to maybe having you there!
Kind regards,
Angelo R.
Visitor Services
Written September 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
qilin037
Vancouver, Canada29 contributions
Apr 2017
Outstandingly well-done multimedia / multi-sensory exhibits spread across one big room (the gym of the YWCA that this building used to be). Excellent coverage of Chinese American history, especially pertaining to the local Bay Area. Well worth the $15 admission fee. Budget 45 min for the exhibit and more if you want to watch a video.
Written April 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niceguynsf2016
San Francisco, CA92 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
The first Sunday of each month is a free day. Went yesterday and was really impressed here. The displays
were fresh, lighted well and expertly displayed. Its all about
Chinese when they first came to america to today. The only thing that has changed from today is the race being profiled. A MUST SEE is the little rooms created by Frank Wong. He took over 20 years making them. I spend over a hour really
looking into these rooms. The details is so so so good!!!!!!!
A must see. I am already planning to return to show these
little rooms with other people. Even if you pay or go on a
free donation, please put a few bills in the donation box.
were fresh, lighted well and expertly displayed. Its all about
Chinese when they first came to america to today. The only thing that has changed from today is the race being profiled. A MUST SEE is the little rooms created by Frank Wong. He took over 20 years making them. I spend over a hour really
looking into these rooms. The details is so so so good!!!!!!!
A must see. I am already planning to return to show these
little rooms with other people. Even if you pay or go on a
free donation, please put a few bills in the donation box.
Written December 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SHARMAND3R
Minneapolis, MN51 contributions
Sep 2019
I greatly enjoyed this small museum in SF Chinatown. The exhibits walk you through the history of Chinese immigrants to SF and the stories of Chinese-Americans born in the city. It complemented several novels I had read prior to my trip about these two people and their stories, and this museum helped bring those novels to life. The museum is very well done, and the staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. This is a must-see in SF!
Written September 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback SHARMAND3R!
Your kind words make all our work so much more worthwhile!
It's always a pleasure having visitors take a look through our museum and leave enriched with knowledge on our community's history. A visit to San Francisco isn't complete without a stop to Chinatown and we're happy to know our museum was able to bring to life the stories you've read in novels.
We hope to have you back again and do consider also checking out our own book shop online through our website and maybe one of our books can make it your summer reading list!
Kind regards,
Angelo R.
Visitor Services
CHSA
Written September 1, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RAINBOW1
Orange County, CA225 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We have visited this small gem twice. The building itself is very interesting, having been designed by Julia Morgan, the architect of Hearst Castle, with beautiful Chinese touches. I think it used to be the Chinatown YMCA. There is currently a well-designed display of the history of the Chinese Workers on the Transcontinental Railroad with photos and a background with a timeline of interesting facts. They also have some miniatures of San Francisco Chinatown made by a local artist who worked in the movies.
They have a small book section with interesting books.
And best of all for busy tourists, the admission is free and there is a very clean bathroom in the basement!
Spending a few minutes in this museum will give you a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Chinese in America.
They have a small book section with interesting books.
And best of all for busy tourists, the admission is free and there is a very clean bathroom in the basement!
Spending a few minutes in this museum will give you a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Chinese in America.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madgekho
Auckland, New Zealand46 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
This is an excellent museum to learn the history of Chinese in America.
Did you know that that earliest settler came in 1840? A guy went to Howard University? Another went to Massachusetts. And, yet
another joined the Union Army and fought in Gettsburg.
Learn more about the discrimination the settlers experienced as well. Laws passed to make it hard for them. But like all immigrants, they survived and fought these injustices!!
Did you know that that earliest settler came in 1840? A guy went to Howard University? Another went to Massachusetts. And, yet
another joined the Union Army and fought in Gettsburg.
Learn more about the discrimination the settlers experienced as well. Laws passed to make it hard for them. But like all immigrants, they survived and fought these injustices!!
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome feedback Madgekho! We are so thrilled to learn how much you learned and hope you get to share with more people about your visit to the Chinese Historical Society of America!
CHSA is committed to its mission and your support makes all the work all worthwhile.
We hope we cross paths again and have you back at CHSA for our future events and programs!
Kind regards,
Angelo R.
Visitor Services
CHSA
Written August 25, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgann2nd
Villa Park, IL142 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
I learned so much that I didn’t know! It was sad to learn about all the laws put in place to restrain the freedoms of the immigrants. I especially enjoyed one woman’s story of her family history in super-size graphic novel form. And I loved learning about the impact of Chinese women in the basement displays. It is all beautifully done. You could see everything in an hour and half to 2 hours.
Written July 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback Georgann2nd! We're so pleased you learned so much from our exhibits. Indeed the Chinese American experience has been one of struggle and strife and at CHSA make it a point to honor the legacy of our predecessors and preserve the history of our community.
Amy Chin's family history is definitely a highlight of our exhibit and we hope this gave you a much better perspective of Chinese American stories through different generations!
Our exhibit featuring women in California, "Towards Equality" is one that we are proud of and we appreciate you sharing in our museum's mission! We hope you have you again soon for our future programs and events!
Kind regards,
Visitor Services
CHSA
Written July 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yuri K
San Francisco, CA305 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
Frank Wong’s miniature dioramas alone worth a visit to this Chinese Historical Society of America located in the middle of San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Looking at those dioramas, you could learn a lot about lives in Chinatown.
Looking at those dioramas, you could learn a lot about lives in Chinatown.
Written December 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your kind words are greatly appreciated! Thank you Yurikitamura! We are just as thrilled to know learn how much you've taken from viewing Frank Wong's miniature dioramas. The Chinese Historical Society of America is so blessed to have the opportunity to share Mr. Wong's masterpieces which has touched the hearts of many members within our Chinatown community. We only wish we may always have your support and very much hope we might have you back for CHSA's future projects!
Kind regards,
Angelo R.
Visitor Services
CHSA
Written December 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John C
Highland, CA60 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
We stopped in to this boutique museum intending to stay for about an hour, but remained nearly three. The exhibit that we found particularly interesting targeted the historic landscape of Chinese immigrants matriculating into the San Francisco area to find work and build new lives in this country. A series of interactive displays help the viewer see the chronological picture of how politics impacted Chinese settlers.
As you work your way deeper into the museum, there are displays aimed at how Chinese immigrants would experience Angle Island, and finally a sample of how Chinese nationals contributed to the American war effort. The story is compelling, and at times reflective of the political climate that exists today surrounding immigration into the United States.
Perhaps the most interesting exhibits are miniature cut away buildings that were created by an early resident of China Town who became a Hollywood model maker. A sense of the texture that inhabitants of this area of San Francisco might have experienced, is conveyed through the exquisite detail of each of these gems.
Just off of a central artery through the bustling China Town area, this museum is well worth a visit.
As you work your way deeper into the museum, there are displays aimed at how Chinese immigrants would experience Angle Island, and finally a sample of how Chinese nationals contributed to the American war effort. The story is compelling, and at times reflective of the political climate that exists today surrounding immigration into the United States.
Perhaps the most interesting exhibits are miniature cut away buildings that were created by an early resident of China Town who became a Hollywood model maker. A sense of the texture that inhabitants of this area of San Francisco might have experienced, is conveyed through the exquisite detail of each of these gems.
Just off of a central artery through the bustling China Town area, this museum is well worth a visit.
Written April 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FSYMP
Mt Prospect, IL224 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
As we discuss and debate over immigration, I would recommend spending at least 45 minutes in this Museum. It is the permanent home of the exhibit on Chinese American: Exclusion Inclusion. It traces the history of Chinese immigration in America. It was severely limited starting 1892 by the Chinese Exclusion Act. Only Chinese meeting well defined criteria could be admitted leading to screening, interviewing...lasting years. The Exclusion Act was finally struck down in 1965. This exhibit brings the Exclusion Act live by taking you through specific cases with documents, photos and sound bites. These cases are all the more pertinent as they were detained at Angel Island by Tiburon. As a FYI you can visit the actual detention center on Angel Island but start here first.
Written February 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience