SONOMA—Almost lost to our common knowledge today is the story of the Chinese who came in great numbers to the Sonoma Valley in the mid-19 th century. They came to work and their industriousness made them successful and indispensable in an assortment of occupations. The laws of the day prevented them from becoming citizens or owning property, which in turn prevented their integration into mainstream American society. Their culture was looked upon with suspicion by those who did not understand them.
Dr. Peter Meyerhof will examine the early Chinese community of the Sonoma Valley and their influence on the larger history of Valley. He will give many examples of specific Chinese individuals who lived here to personalize this forgotten history.
You can read more about the history of Chinese people in Sonoma County on the Sonoma Valley Historical Societies website here.
Where: Sonoma Community Center | 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma
Tickets: $10
Purchase tickets and learn more about Dr. Meyerhof at the program page.
This project is supported by a Humanities for All Project Grant.
