Archaeological Dig in Chinatown
In summer 2019, the Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE) is working with the Boston City Archaeology Program on an archaeological dig at 6 Hudson Street in Chinatown
This project will doubtlessly uncover new information about the Boston Chinatown neighborhood’s history and community. We hope that you will follow the progress on social media, stop by the site, or even sign up as a volunteer.
Anyone can participate in the dig! The majority of digging and excavation is done by volunteers, and we’ve reserved a number of volunteer slots for members of the Chinatown community. No experience is necessary to join. Volunteers will be screening and digging on site, but you are not required to dig. Most will be helping sift soils to recover artifacts, with volunteers taking turns digging in the excavation hole. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, click here
We also welcome groups visits. Are you involved in a community group or organization? You can bring your group to the site for an overview of the project and a look into the most recent discoveries. For more information and to schedule, click here.
For real-time updates, follow the dig on Boston Archaeology’s Facebook and Twitter
Press
“Archeological dig unearths artifacts in Boston’s Chinatown,” Boston Globe, July 12, 2019 (pdf)
“波士顿华埠暗藏玄机 首次考古就挖到宝,” SinoVision, July 10, 2019
“Ink library, parking barnacles, lunar training grounds: News from around out 50 states,” USA Today, July 9, 2019
“Archaeology Dig Near Boston’s Chinatown Gate Gets Underway,” Patch Boston, July 8, 2019
“Archaeologists excavating Boston’s Chinatown in search of artifacts,” MassLive, July 8, 2019
“Work begins on first archaeology dig in Boston’s Chinatown,” WCVB, July 8, 2019
“First Archaeology Dig In Chinatown Underway,” WBZ CBS Boston, July 8, 2019
“Archaeologists Begin 1st Excavations of Boston’s Chinatown,” US News & World Report, July 8, 2019
“Archaeologist Looks To Dig Up History In Chinatown,” WBUR News, July 8, 2019
“Archaeology dig to focus on Chinese immigrants,” “華埠考古挖掘關注華人移民,” Sampan Newspaper, July 3, 2019
“Boston’s Chinatown Prepares for first archaeological dig,” WCVB, July 2, 2019
“City archaeology dig to start in Chinatown,” Boston Globe, July 1, 2019 (pdf)
Pre- 1830s: Filing of South Cove
Before the nineteenth century, 6 Hudson Street was tidal mudflats known historically as South Cove. At the time, 6 Hudson was located just east of the former shoreline of Boston, which roughly followed Harrison Avenue. In 1833, a “group of lawyers, merchants, and businessmen formed the South Cove Corporation for the express purpose of filling the flats” of South Cove. By 1838, 6 Hudson and the surrounding streetscape were created.
1938 – 1900: Early Occupants
The earliest residents of the house on 6 Hudson were Massachusetts-born, likely local families participating in the new job and living opportunities on the South Cove. By the 1870s, the house is functioning as a boarding house for Irish immigrants and first generation Americans. In the 1880s, the house likely became a three-family home with an apartment on each floor.
1899 – 1920: Syriatown
The turn of the twentieth century also marked a change in the neighborhood demographics, as a civil war in Syria brought a wave of Arab immigrants to the area. As such, the 1910 census indicates that all the 6 Hudson residents were recent immigrants from Syria.
1920 – Present: Chinatown
By the 1920s, over 1,000 Chinese people lived in Chinatown. Due to the Chinese Exclusion Act, the occupants were a “bachelor community” of mostly single men. After World War II, the number of families and American-born Chinese Americans increased.
Alongside other Chinese businesses on Hudson St, the famous Ruby Foo’s Den restaurant opened at 6 Hudson in 1929. Ruby Foo was one of the earliest Chinese female restaurateurs in the country and successfully catered to a non-Chinese and celebrity clientele at Chinatown’s “smartest restaurant.” The two floors above the restaurant served a rental housing for Chinese men, many of who worked for Ruby Foo. Ruby Foo’s Den was closed and the site was auctioned for back taxes in 1957.
The building was listed as vacant in 1988, and taken down in 1989.
Where is the dig taking place?
The dig is taking place at the vacant lot at 6 Hudson Street in Chinatown, right next to the Mary Soo Hoo Park and the Chinatown gate.
How long will the dig last?
The dig is expected to last through the end of August, for a total of eight weeks. However, the final end date is flexible and will not be confirmed until later in the dig.
What do you expect to find?
We hope to find artifacts related to the history of the South Cove neighborhood, including the American, Irish, Syrian, and Chinese people who lived and worked at the site. Previous archeology digs in Boston have uncovered over 10,000 artifacts!
What happens after the dig?
After excavation, the artifacts will be washed, sorted, and catalogued. The City Archeologist will publish the results of the dig in a formal archaeological report. The artifacts will be available for the public to to view at the the City’s Archeology Lab in West Roxbury.
Hudson Street's Chinese American History in Pictures
Although this excavation is limited to the parcel at 6 Hudson Street, the whole street served an important role in the neighborhood’s history. Its buildings housed residents, businesses, and organizations. It served as a common parade route and a place for children to run. Below are some photographs of Hudson Street from the past 100 years:
Memorial Service for Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Boston, 1925
Chinese revolutionary leader Dr. Sun Yat-sen gained widespread support from overseas Chinese in overthrowing the Qing dynasty in 1911. Chinese Nationalist Party branches were subsequently established in major American cities including Boston. The Boston branch was founded at 10 Hudson Street before it was relocated to 17 Hudson Street. Photographed is a group of Chinese Nationalist Party members in Boston in a solemn memorial service one month after the death of Dr. Sun outside the party branch office. (Frank and Kay Chin)
Women Raise Funds for the War Effort, 1940s
Ruby Foo's Den at 6 Hudson Street served as the backdrop for women raising money to support the Chinese war effort against Japan. The outstretched flag collected money tossed in by restaurant workers who responded to the appeal. (International Society)
Support of American Troops, 1941
Chinese demonstrators marched along Hudson Street in 1941, proudly displaying American flags in support of U.S. involvement in World War II. (Tunney Lee)
Chinese American Victory Parade, 1945
The celebration of the victory of China and the Allied Powers in the Pacific War reached its climax on the national day of the Republic of China, October 10, 1945. Chinatown held a spectacular victory parade along a route that included Hudson Street. Spectators and paraade floats overflowed the streets as part of a celebration that lasted for months. (International Society)
Children in the Hudson Street Neighborhood, late 1940s
Reggie and Caroline Wong, brother and sister, play and pose in front of the tenements of Hudson Street. It was a close-knit neighborhood where every school child knew each other by name or nickname. (Reggie Wong)
Ruby Foo's Den, 1951
Ruby Foo's Den at 6 Hudson Street was open in 1929. The owner Ruby Foo was one of the earliest Chinese female restaurant owners in the country. Her restaurant successfully catered to non-Chinese and a celebrity clientele. It was the most famous restaurant for non-Chinese customers in the 1930s. Ruby Foo passed away in 1950, and the restaurant was later closed in 1957. (CHSNE collection)
Hudson Street Before Urban Renewal, 1953
This photograph was taken prior to the demolition of Hudson Street homes and businesses. Three- and four- story brick tenement houses lined both sides of the street. Because of community concerns, instead of taking all of Hudson Street, the eastern side from Kneeland Street to Broadway was torn down to construct an entrance ramp for the Massachusetts Turnpike. (International Society)
Hudson Street Building Demolition, 1963
All of Albany Street and one side of Hudson Street, sough of Kneeland Street, were demolished after 1963 to make room for the Massachusetts Turnpike Extension. The demolition on Hudson Street added fuel to a growing anti-highway movement as the public began to question the price exacted on the neighborhoods and inhabitants. (CHSNE collection)
Transcontinental Railroad 150th Anniversary
Boston’s Chinese community will celebrate the Transcontinental Railroad’s 150th “Golden Spike” Anniversary with a traveling exhibition which tells the story of the Chinese laborers who made up 90% of the Central Pacific Railroad’s workforce. This seven-panel exhibition will on public view at various locations throughout Greater Boston during the months of May and June 2019.
Traveling Exhibition Panels
The Chinese and the Iron Road: Building the Transcontinental provides a historical overview of the Chinese railroad workers who were instrumental in building the United States’ first Transcontinental Railroad. Utilizing graphic panels, the exhibit features historical and contemporary photos, illustrations, stories of descendants of the workers, and bilingual Chinese/English text.
Past Events
“Chinese Americans, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the Ongoing Question of Who Gets to be an American”
Wednesday, June 26th, 7:00 – 8:30
Leominster Public Library | 30 West St, Leominster
Lecture by Fitchburg State University Professor Benjamin Railton
More information
“The Chinese Question in the Afterlife of Slavery”
Wednesday, June 17th, 7:00 – 8:30
Leominster Public Library | 30 West St, Leominster
Lecture by Caroline H. Yang
More information
150th Anniversary of the Transcontiental Railroad
Monday, June 17th, 1:00 – 3:00
Massachusetts State House | 24 Beacon St, Boston
Program by the Asian Community Development Corporation featuring UMass Boston Professor Denise Khor, Trisha Obsequio, Harvard Director of Inclusion Programs Kimberly Truong, and descendants of Chinese railroad workers.
“Debunking Myths About the Chinese Railroad Workers”
Wednesday, June 12th, 3:00 – 4:30
Leominster Public Library | 30 West St, Leominster
Lecture by Richard Cheu
More information
“Being Asian American”
Friday, June 7th, 3:00 – 5:00
Harvard Commons at the Smith Campus Center | 1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Interactive Panel Discussion & Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontiental Railroad
More information
“Early Chinese Migrants in Massachusetts”
Wednesday, June 5th, 7:00 – 8:30
Leominster Public Library | 30 West St, Leominster
Lecture by Mount Holyoke Professor Anthony W. Lee
More information
Building Towards the Golden Spike: 150th Anniversary
Saturday, May 18th, 1:00
Paramount Theatre | 599 Washington St, Boston
Screening of Loni Ding’s short documentary “Canton Army in the High Sierras: Chinese Workers Build America’s First Transcontiental Railroad” with lecture by UMass Boston Professor Denise Khor
More information
WGBH Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration
Thursday, May 9th, 6:00 -9:00
WGBH | 1 Guest St, Boston
Featuring the first-ever Asian American US Cabinet Secretary, Norman Mineta, a dinner reception and a performance by Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy
Livestream of the panel discussion with Norman Mineta
“Beyond Fortune Cookies: Confronting Asian American Stereotypes”
Wednesday, May 8th, 6:00 – 9:00
Beebe School | 401 Pleasant St, Malden
Join a group of distinguished panelists for a discussion of Asian-American stereotypes and the experience of being Asian American today.
More information
Boston Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration
Tuesday, May 7th, 11:30 – 1:30
Boston City Hall | 1 City Hall Square, Boston
Join Mayor Walsh in celebrating APA Heritage month with live music, cultural activities, and refreshments
More information
Asian American Commission (AAC) Unity Dinner
Friday, May 3rd, 6:00 – 9:30
Crowne Plaza Boston | 15 Middlesex Canal Park, Woburn
More information
Press
“Chinese Workers Remembered at 150th Transcontiental Railroad Ceremony,” Sampan Newspaper, June 18, 2019
“Norman Mineta Reflects on Identity at WGBH,” Sampan Newspaper, May 10, 2019
“Unity Dinner Gathers Asian American Community in New England, ” Sampan Newspaper, May 8, 2019
“Boston’s Chinatown to Honor Transcontinental Railroad Workers,” Sampan Newspaper, May 3, 2019
The Chinese and the Iron Road was organized by the Chinese Historical Society of America (CSHA) and the Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University.
This program is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
A special thank you to all of the organizations that worked to make these events possible:
Top image: “Across the Continent. The snow sheds on the Central Pacific Railroad in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From a sketch by Joesph Becker.” Originally printed in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, Vol. 29, February 6, 1870, p. 346.
CHSNE’s Online Bookstore
CHSNE’s bookstore is now online! Check out our collection of Chinese-American titles, including our own “Chinese in Boston: 1870 -1965.” All proceeds go directly to supporting CHSNE’s programs and operations.
Chinatown Mural Tour
Ever pondered the who, what, how of Chinatown’s many public murals? Wonder no more! In honor of ArtWeek Boston, join the Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE) for a 60-min walking tour of public murals in Chinatown, revealing the stories and history behind them. Don’t miss this exclusive offering, available only for ArtWeek!
Dates: Saturday, April 28th @ 10:30am, and Tuesday, May 1st @ 5:30pm. General Admission: $15; CHSNE Member: $12. Space is limited, registration in advance is highly recommended.
The tour will begin at the China Trade Building at 2 Boylston Street, on the lower atrium level in front of the CHSNE office and the Chinatown branch of the Boston Public Library. We are a short walk from the Chinatown and Boylston MBTA stops.
This event will be an outdoor walking tour, please dress appropriately. CHSNE reserves the right to cancel and refund the tour in the case of extreme weather conditions.
New videos from the Boston Chinatown Heritage Project
CHSNE and CSTO created videos documenting local history
Chinese American Experiences: Mass. Memories Road Show
CHSNE partnered with UMass Boston to hold a Mass. Memories Road Show one June 2nd
National Register of Historic Places
The Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE) is partnering with Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England (CCBA) to register the first site connected to Chinese in Boston to the National Register of Historic Places. Over the past year, consultants have been writing the application to nominate CCBA’s Old Quincy School building, and an overview about the Chinese in Boston context-study. These two documents will become public record and allow future researchers/generations the opportunity to know about the experience of our ancestors and community.
紐英崙華人歷史協會，馬萨诸塞州歷史委员會，及紐英崙中華公所合作，把波士頓第一個華人地產，列入國家史蹟名錄。過去一年，專家準備申請書提名紐英崙中華公所地產舊昆士學校，及有關波士頓華人資料。這些文件會成為公共紀錄，為研討者和後代提供機會，認識波士頓華人先人和社區經驗。
The comment period for this nomination closed on May 31st.
5月31曰前，紐英崙華人歷史協會歡迎社區提供意見
The Old Quincy School was officially accepted into the National Register of Historic Places in August 2017!
National Register
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Listing of this property provides recognition of the community’s important historic resources and assures protective review of Federal properties that might adversely affect the character of the property. If the property is listed in the National Register, certain Federal investment tax credits for rehabilitation and other provisions may apply.
Listing in the National Register does not mean that limitations will be placed on the property by the Federal government. Public visitation rights are not required of property owners. The Federal government will not attach restrictive covenants to the property or seek to acquire it. If a property is listed in the National Register, the owner may do anything with it that s/he wishes, unless state or federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, funds, permits, or licensing are used, or unless some other region and/or local ordinance of policy is in effect.
National Register of Historic Places: Effects and Benefits of Listing | English | 中文
Rights of Private Property Owners to Comment and/or Reject to Listing in the National Register | English | 中文
Difference between a Local Historic District and a National Register District | English | 中文
Context Study
The Context Study is a detailed account of Boston’s Chinatown’s history, urban development, and and the importance of the Chinese community in these spaces. Its divided into four historical sections: South Cove Before Chinese Immigration, 1805‐1875; Buildings and Spaces of the Chinese Settlement Era, 1875‐1900; Boston’s Chinese Community Develops, 1900‐1943; and Chinatown After Exclusion, 1943‐1985. The study also includes brief information on present-day Chinatown (1985-2017) as well as images, maps, and geographical data.
Read the Context Study (145 pages)
The Context Summary is a condensed overview of the Context Study. Due to its shortened length, it does not contain the full detail of the Context Study. However, it does provide an overview of the nomination and historical attributes of the original Josiah Quincy School building and its place in the history of the American education system and Boston’s Chinese community.
Read the Context Summary (2 pages)
Old Quincy School
The first individual property being nominated for listing in the National Register under this context is the Old Quincy School, located 88-90 Tyler Street, and home of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The brick building was completed in 1859, built in the same manner and on the foundation of a four-story gable-roofed building built in 1848 and destroyed by fire ten years later. In 1938 the gable roof of the main building collapsed during a hurricane, after which the roof and fourth floor were removed and the existing flat roof was created. Stair towers attached to the north and south walls also were lowered from four to three stories at that time; they are distinguished by front and rear Greek Revival-style entrances that reflect the design of the leading Boston architect of the time, Gridley J.S. Bryant, known for his many civic and commercial buildings in Boston and the region.
Quincy Grammar School, c. 1902-1904
The brick exterior of the building is supported on a granite basement, and includes a decorative band of granite above the first-story windows and marble window lintels and sills. There are four classrooms on each of the three stories, two on either side of a hallway connecting to stair towers. The original wood wainscot, doors, window and door trim and blackboards from 1859 all remain largely intact. Two rooms on the first story have been consolidated into one. In 1913, a two-story, technical training annex was added to the north side of the building. After the 1938 renovations, the Quincy Grammar School remained unchanged until its closing in 1976, when students were relocated to the Josiah Quincy Elementary School on Washington Street. In 1983, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England (CCBA) acquired the former school from the City of Boston. CCBA rehabilitated and repurposed the building to serve a variety of Chinese American civic and cultural groups and activities.
The Quincy Grammar School is significant as a distinctive example of mid-19th century progressive school architecture that served as the model of educational reforms introduced by Horace Mann and other educators in Boston and beyond. It also is significant as a historic institutional property associated with Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans in the City of Boston.
The school was the first “graded” grammar school in Massachusetts and possibly in the United States. Built in 1848 during a wave of reform in schoolhouse architecture and construction, the Quincy Grammar School was the first to reflect the educational model promoted by Horace Mann, the first secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education. It followed the Prussian practice of grouping students according to age and achievement. Prior to this, American students were typically taught in large, mixed-age classes run by two teachers. The Quincy School was organized into multiple graded classes grouped by age and ability, each headed by one teacher. Later in its history, the Quincy Grammar School was also the location in 1913 of one of the first classes in the United States taught following the educational theories of Maria Montessori.
CCBA / former Quincy Grammar School, 2016
With the changing population of the South Cove neighborhood, students at the Quincy School by the early 20th century represented a diversity of immigrant groups, and by the 1940s when many families in Chinatown were relocating south of Kneeland Street, over a third of the School’s students were Chinese or Chinese American. By the time it closed in 1976, over 90% of the school’s population was Chinese American. The Quincy School played a pivotal role in the education of Boston’s Chinese community, as well as teaching English as a second language and other immigrant skills during a period when large numbers of new Chinese families were arriving in Boston. Even though the school closed in 1976, it found renewed life in 1983 when it was acquired by the CCBA, a vitally important community organization, composed of many charitable and cultural Chinese groups, that operates a multifaceted program in the building. Under CCBA’s ownership, the significant era of preserving and presenting Chinese culture for the benefit of Boston’s Chinese American community has continued strongly into the present. Despite the loss of its upper story and roof, the Quincy School still represents an architectural and historic landmark dating from the mid-19th century and a significant educational and community institution historically serving the Chinese immigrant and Chinese American community of Boston.
Read the Nomination (35 pages)
Community Meetings
CHSNE will present updates on the nomination at the following community meetings:
Chinatown Residents Association (CRA): Wednesday, May 3rd, 6:30pm @ Josiah Quincy School, 885 Washington St, Boston | Watch the Facebook LiveStream
The Chinatown Coalition (TCC): Thursday, May 11th, 9:30am @ Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, 38 Ash St, Boston
Chinatown/South Cove Neighborhood Council (CNC): Monday, May 15th, 6:00pm @ Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, 90 Tyler St, Boston
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA): Tuesday, May 30th, 7:00pm @ 90 Tyler St, Boston
Massachusetts Historical Commission Meeting | State Review: Wednesday, June 14th, 1:00pm @ Massachusetts Historical Commission, Archives Building, 220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston 02125
Links to handouts
National Register of Historic Places: Effects and Benefits of Listing | English | 中文
Rights of Private Property Owners to Comment and/or Reject to Listing in the National Register | English | 中文
Difference between a Local Historic District and a National Register District | English | 中文
FAQ
National Register 國家史蹟名錄
Q: What is the National Register of Historic Places?
A: The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
問：什麼是“國家史蹟名錄” National Register of Historic Places”？
答：國家史蹟名錄是美國國家認為值得保護的史蹟的官方名单。根據1996年國家史蹟保護法案 (National Historic Preservation Act of 1966) 美國國家公園管理局 (National Park Service) 國家史蹟名錄是聯絡，支持，列舉，評估，保護國家公共，私人史蹟地產/工程/資源的聯邦项目。
Q: What are the implications of owning a building on the National Register?
A: Listing in the National Register does not mean that limitations will be placed on the property. The Federal government will not attach restrictive covenants to the property or seek to acquire it. If a property is listed in the National Register, the owner may do anything with it that s/he wishes, unless state or federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, funds, permits, or licensing are used, or unless some other regional and/or local ordinance or policy is in effect. Public visitation rights are not required of property owners. National Register listing places no restrictions on using or selling the property.
NOTE: Some properties on the National Register are also within local historic districts or have been designated as local landmarks. These are completely different local designations that involve completely separate processes. We’re applying for National Register designation by the Federal government, NOT a local designation by the Boston Landmarks Commission.
問：私人地產列入國家史蹟名錄有什麼 影响？
答：列入國家史蹟名錄本身對地產所有人如何處置其列入名錄的私人地產并無限制。不會對現有的地方法规或條例增加额外的限制，也不會消除當前有效的法规。聯邦政府不會干涉或採購。只要不涉及聯邦或州或地方法规，條例或政策，资金、執照、許可或批准，列入國家史蹟名錄的地產所有人可自由處置其私人地產。包括使用，出賣，也無義務向公眾開放該私人地產。
附注：有些列入國家史蹟名錄的地產，隸屬地方歷史區域 (local historic district) 或列入地方地標 (designated as local landmarks) 。它們入選是透過不同程序。我們是向聯邦政府申請列入國家史蹟名錄，並非向波士頓地標局 (Boston Landmarks Commission)。
Q: What are the benefits of owning a building on the National Register?
A: National Register listing officially recognizes and celebrates our history. It means that the property has been designated on a national list as historically and/or architecturally significant. National Register listing provides limited opportunities for grants and tax credits. Properties owned by municipalities or nonprofit organizations may be eligible for grants from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund, a state-funded competitive program supporting preservation and maintenance projects. Income-producing properties may be eligible for federal and state tax credits for substantial rehabilitation that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
問：私人地產列入國家史蹟名錄有什麼好處？
答：列入國家史蹟名錄是認可，慶祝我們的社區、州及國家具有重大意義的歷史性地產。獨一無二、不可替代的歷史資源，给我們的城市、社區赋予時代感与地方感，共同塑造社區的風貌。并且有資格申請获得某些州的修復補助金，例如麻塞諸塞州保護项目基金 Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund 提供的補助金，及經证實修復项目的某些税收優惠。
Nomination 提名程序
Q: What is the nomination process like?
A: Before the nomination process can begin, the property being proposed is evaluated by preservation staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) to see whether in their opinion it meets the criteria for listing in the National Register. The preservation staff of the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) also participates in evaluation and reviewing nominations because they have been certified by the National Park Service as a “certified local government” due to their experience with historic preservation programs, and the National Register program in particular.
The nomination process includes the preparation of a formal document that records the property’s present appearance and places its story into historical context. The nomination describes the nominated property inside and out and assesses its historical significance over time, from construction to the present day. The nomination discusses the themes under which the property is significant. The nomination includes current and historic photographs and maps. As part of the nomination’s preparation, it is reviewed in draft form by the MHC staff.
- Mid April 2017: MHC schedules it for consideration by the State Review Board (SRB) of the MHC.
- Mid April 2017: A notification letter is sent to the property owner informing them of the plan to move ahead with the nomination.
- Late May 2017: The nomination is presented to the Boston Landmarks Commission for their approval.
- May 30, 2017: Property owners vote to grant approval to submit the official nomination
- June 14, 2017: At the SRB meeting, the nomination is presented for consideration by the authors and by preservation staff; following the presentation, there is the opportunity for public comment, after which the nomination is voted on by the SRB.
- Late June 2017: Assuming their vote is favorable, the nomination is sent to the National Register of Historic Places in Washington, DC, part of the National Park Service.
- August 2017: The property is listed in the National Register. A congratulatory letter and certificate will be sent to the property owner.
問：提名程序是怎樣？
答：提名程序進行之前，麻薩諸塞州歷史委員會 (Massachusetts Historical Commission) 的保護史蹟地產專家先評估，提名地產是不是符合列入國家史蹟名錄資格。美國國家公園管理局委派波士頓地標局(BLC)為地方代表，因為BLC 專家有保護史蹟地產經驗，也參與評估。
提名程序包括準備合適文件，詳述地產歷史背景，當前風貌，内外設施，從頭至尾，時代/地方/主題重大意義，新舊照片，地圖。麻薩諸塞州歷史委員會專家先評估申請草案。
- 2017 年 4 月中: 麻薩諸塞州歷史委員會的州審核會 (State Review Board) 排期評估提名申請案。
- 2017 年4月中: 通知書給地產所有人準備推動前進
- 2017 年 5月 尾: 提名書呈報波士頓地標局通過
- 2017 年 5月30日: 地產所有人(中華公所) 投票通過提名
- 2017 年 6月 14日: 州審核會開會，專家代表陳述/解答/推動前進/通過, 公眾查詢/提議後，州審核會 投票是不是通過提名
- 2017 年 6月尾: 如果投票通過，提名呈報美國國家公園管理局國家史蹟名錄處。
- 2017 年 8月: 地產列入國家史蹟名錄。地產所有人(中華公所) 收到証明文件/道賀信。
Context Study 相關研究文件
Q: What is the Context Study, and what does it cover?
A: The Context Study is a detailed 145-page account of Boston’s Chinatown’s history, urban development, and the importance of the Chinese community in these spaces. It is divided into four historical sections: South Cove Before Chinese Immigration, 1805‐1875; Buildings and Spaces of the Chinese Settlement Era, 1875‐1900; Boston’s Chinese Community Develops, 1900‐1943; and Chinatown After Exclusion, 1943‐1985. The study also includes brief information on present-day Chinatown (1985-2017) as well as images, maps, and geographical data.
問：什麼是相關研究文件？
答：相關研究文件145頁，詳述有關波士頓華人資料：華埠歷史，都市計劃，社區貢獻。，有4個歷史部分：1805-1875 華人移民前的南灣 (South Cove) ；1875-1900 華人移民的樓宇住宅；1900-1943 波士頓華人社區發展；1943-1985 停止排斥華人後的華埠。研究文件簡介當今 (1985-2017) 華埠的風貌，圖文，地理資料。
Q: Who wrote the Context Study?
A: The Context Study and National Register nomination were both written by historic preservation consultants, with additional input and editing from MHC staff (Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and Register Director). In addition, documentary materials and editorial support were provided by CHSNE, Chinatown Atlas, Institute for Asian American Studies at UMASS Boston, and CCBA.
問：是誰撰寫相關研究文件？
答：史蹟專家撰寫相關研究文件及國家史蹟名錄提名申請案。麻薩諸塞州歷史委員會專家提供意見/修正。紐英崙華人歷史協會，華埠地圖 (Chinatown Atlas) ，麻薩諸塞州大學波士頓分校亞美研究中心，紐英崙中華公所提供文件及協助。
More Information 更多資料
Q: Where can I find a copy of the context study and nomination?
A: The context study can be found at tinyurl.com/NRcontext
The nomination can be found at tinyurl.com/NRnomination
A printed copy of the full context and nomination are available to read at CCBA’s library.
問：怎樣獲得一份相關研究文件及國家史蹟名錄提名申請案？
答：相關研究文件：tinyurl.com/NRcontext
提名申請案：tinyurl.com/NRnomination
紐英崙中華公所圖書館：相關研究文件，提名申請案
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: On CHSNE’s website: chsne.org/NR
問：怎樣獲得更多資料？
答： 紐英崙華人歷史協會網址：chsne.org/NR
Acknowledgements
Lead organizer:
Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC)
Michael Steinitz
Betsy Friedberg
Consultants:
Neil Larson
Kathryn Grover
Community Partner:
Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE)
Applicant:
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England (CCBA)
From CHSNE:
David Chang
Susan Chinsen
Jessica Wong Camhi
Sherry Dong
From CCBA:
Nancy Lo
Paul Chan
Susan Luo
Historical Advisors:
Shauna Lo, Institute for Asian American Studies
Tunney Lee, Boston Chinatown Atlas
Wing-kai To, Bridgewater State University
Community Support:
Peter Chan
Amy Guen
Peter Kiang
Stephanie Fan
Jack Kayyem
Kate Chang
Representative Michael Capuano
Helen Chin Schlichte
The Chinatown Coalition
Chinatown Residents Association
Chinatown/South Cove Neighborhood Council
Facing Exclusion: Pioneering Activists Harry H. Dow and Tien Fu Wu
Facing Exclusion:
Pioneering Activists Harry H. Dow and Tien Fu Wu
A one-woman performance, adapted farce, and community conversation
Opening Night & Reception: Friday, March 17, 7:30pm-10:00pm
Matinée: Saturday, March 18, 2:00pm-4:00pm
ArtsEmerson/Paramount Center, Black Box Theatre
Part of ArtsEmerson’s Community Curators program, CHSNE will present a performance of Nutzacrackin’ Immigration and Naturalization depicting a fictional immigration interrogation during the Chinese Exclusion Act. The original script was written by Harry H. Dow, a Suffolk Law School graduate who became the first Chinese-American to pass the Massachusetts Bar exam in 1929. Christina R. Chan, a local actor, playwright, teaching artist and director, adapted the script for this performance. Chan will also present a selection from her one-woman play, Unbinding Our Lives, on the lived experience of Tien Fu Wu, a Chinese women living in San Francisco at the turn of twentieth-century—also in honor of its 25th anniversary.
Featured performers also include Eric Cheung (Yung), Tim Corbett (Chief Inspector), Alexander Holden (Dow), Sophia Koevary (Miss French), Danny Mourino (Rosen), and Josh Santora (Mulloy).
To close the program, a panel discussion and community conversation will connect this history to present day. Panelist include:
Friday
Moderator: Patricia Reeve (Suffolk)
Christina R. Chan
Ragini Shah (Suffolk Law)
Paul W. Lee (Community Leader)
Saturday
Moderator: Elisa Choi (MA Asian American Commission)
Christina R. Chan
Ragini Shah (Suffolk Law)
Stephanie Fan (Community Leader)
All ticket proceeds to benefit CHSNE—now celebrating its 25th anniversary!
