Letter to Director Jarvis

Letter

Today, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA-07) asked the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) to take the first step towards designating the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience in Seattle as a historical site worthy of designation as an affiliate area of the National Park Service.

Congressman McDermott made the request in a letter that was co-signed by 8 Members of Congress, including Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and Congressmen Norm Dicks (D-WA-06), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) and Adam Smith (D-WA-09).

In the letter to the NPS Director, Jonathan Jarvis, McDermott and his colleagues wrote, "The Wing Luke Museum is the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in America, highlighting the issues and life-experiences of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States… We ask that the National Park Service conduct a reconnaissance survey to see if a designation of the Wing Luke Museum as an affiliate area of the National Park Service would be possible and appropriate."

Beth Takekawa, Executive Director of the Wing Luke Museum, said, "This designation would recognize the national significance of Asian Pacific American history and issues as an important part of the American story. The Wing Luke Museum serves as a living example connecting history with the future. Becoming an affiliate area of the National Park Service, which protects and preserves America's cultural and natural resources would elevate our efforts to share our stories with everyone, and we are deeply appreciative of Congressman McDermott and his colleagues' effort."

Dear Director Jarvis:

We respectfully write to request a reconnaissance survey of the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience located in Seattle, Washington. The Wing Luke Museum is the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in America, highlighting the issues and life-experiences of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.

The Wing Luke Museum opened in 1967 and was named after Wing Luke, an enormously successful Seattleite and veteran who Americans throughout the country are rightly proud of.

We ask that the National Park Service conduct a reconnaissance survey to see if a designation of the Wing Luke Museum as an affiliate area of the National Park Service would be possible and appropriate.

If you or your staff needs any additional information regarding our support, please do not hesitate to call our offices. We look forward to hearing from you and we thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA-07)
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA-06)
Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA-02)
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA-09)
Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-32)
Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA-15)
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI)