Bridging the Centuries, a project that began as a way to celebrate a milestone in CHSSC's history, shows the unique experience of Chinese Americans in the Southland.

The 210-page paperbacks rolled off the delivery trucks just in time to be unveiled at our annual Christmas party at Castelar School. Chief editor and Society member Susie Ling was on hand to sign copies of the book, which began as a project to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Historical Society. Vice President Eugene Moy oversaw the overall process, and articles in the five chapters have been written by, or pertain to, numerous members of the CHSSC.

Bridging the Centuries was celebrated with a book-signing party and press conference in December at CHSSC's Bernard Street house. The group's Victorian houses received new coats of paint, additional landscaping, and the rooms inside the Chinatown Heritage and Visitors Center were transformed into colorful gallery spaces.

One exhibit featured the photographs of Jason Jem. "Breaking the Mold" is a collection of portraits of leaders such as former Los Angeles City Council Michael Woo, attorney-civil rights activist Michael Eng and playwright David Henry Hwang.

The collection was first seen by board members Wing Mar and Eugene Moy at a C.A.C.A. dinner, and they were so impressed, they later asked Jason Jem to exhibit his work at CHSSC's Nov. 9, 2000 fundraising banquet at the Empress Pavilion. The photos of prominent Chinese Americans are being displayed in the center's former video presentation room.

One of the front rooms of the heritage and visitors center has been turned into a parlor featuring a bilingual exhibit on Bridging the Centuries. The display is a collection of vignettes from people featured in the book, which was hailed by local author Lisa See as "an important and inspiring book." Asian American scholar Him Mark Lai called the book "another milestone in this continuing effort" of showing that the experiences of Southern California?s Chinese has been very unique from those of their counterparts up North and elsewhere.

Press coverage was coordinated by board member Ann Lau and vice president Eugene Moy. Coverage included an article (complete with photograph) on the front-page of the Money Section of the Chinese-language Sing Tao Daily News. A reporter representing YOLK, a monthly magazine on Asian American pop culture and issues, also expressed interest in writing a story about the publication, and there has been talk of sending a photographer from the magazine to do a spread of the exhibits.

A door-sized banner introducing the book and its related exhibit, complete with a large reproduction of the photograph on the book cover, was generated through Ann Lau?s efforts. It will be displayed outside the Heritage House in the near future to try and lure visitors to inquire about the book and the CHSSC's activities.

For members, the cost is $20.00. For non-members, the cost is $25.00. (for all, plus $5.00 shipping/handling.)

To purchase this book please send check payable to CHSSC and mail to 415 Bernard St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, or fax your MC/VISA account information to 323-221-4162. for more information or questions please call 323-222-0856 or email chssc@earthlink.net.