Exhibit at the California Museum Features Untold Stories of Laos Refugees

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — September 6, 2022: Temporary exhibit traces refugees’ lives, from bombings to new homes in the U.S.

The California Museum, in partnership with the Center for Lao Studies (CLS), is pleased to announce the opening of “Between Two Worlds: Untold Stories of Refugees from Laos,” a traveling exhibit focusing on two ethnic Laotian groups, the Lao and Iu Mien.

On display September 1, 2022 through October 28, 2022, the exhibit invites visitors to contemplate ideas of “home” as seen through the eyes of people who have lived or are still living between two worlds. Through photos, documents, cultural artifacts, and video recordings of first-person narratives, “Between Two Worlds” tells refugees’ stories in their own words, tracing their lives amidst U.S. bombings and other attempts to “contain” communism in Southeast Asia in general and Laos in particular, and of their journeys from their homes in Laos to reeducation camps, to refugee camps, to finding new homes in the United States.

The idea for the exhibit grew out of CLS’ Lao Oral History Archive (LOHA), which began in 2009 and involved interviewing and recording the stories of more than 20 families from Laos who now live in the United States. CLS formed a team of cultural consultants, historians, museum professionals, graphic designers, media specialists, and writers who spent more than a year researching and planning the project prior to putting the physical exhibit together.

“The ‘Between Two Worlds’ exhibit represents the culmination of years of work,” states Dr. Vinya Sysamouth, CLS Executive Director and Project Co-Director. “The LOHA project was so significant because it literally gave a voice to stories that had been kept silent for decades. Those who experience the exhibit will gain historical and contextual understanding of why refugees from Laos are in the United States.”

“Though Laotian Americans have been an important part of Sacramento for decades, many people outside the community remain unaware of their history,” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “We are thrilled to be a venue where they can share their stories with visitors from many backgrounds.”

“Sacramento is home to the largest Mien American community since the mid-1980s. Though they arrived in America as refugees from a tribal preliterate society with minimal formal education and employable skills, they are achieving their American dreams today…” said Dr. Kal Phan, an Iu Mien community leader of Sacramento. Nuny Khamphay Cabanting, a Lao American co-business owner states “if there is one thing that stands out about the Sacramento Lao community, it’s that we humbly work hard towards preserving our culture through food, language and embracing traditions. We stand firm and proud in our culture in hopes that future generations will continue to carry on.”

The exhibit is made possible through generous support from The McConnell Foundation, California Museum, California Humanities, and the Central Valley Community Foundation, as well as private donations.

For more information on the California Museum’s presentation of the exhibit, go to https://californiamuseum.org/between-2-worlds-untold-stories-refugees-laos.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:

The California Museum celebrates the Golden State’s history, arts, diversity and unique influence on the world. Established in 1998, the Museum is home to the official California Hall of Fame and many more exhibitions inspiring visitors to make a mark on history. Located at 1020 O Street in the March Fong Eu Secretary of State complex. Plan a visit or get tickets at https://californiamuseum.org.