About the Indian American Heritage Project (IAHP)
Originally launched as the HomeSpun Project in 2008, the Indian American Heritage Project (IAHP) is a historic initiative by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to chronicle the experience of immigrants from India and Indian Americans in the United States. IAHP will consist of an exhibition, public programs, a curriculum guide for youth, an interactive website, and artifacts donated to the Smithsonian's permanent collection.
In December 2013, Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation, a groundbreaking exhibition will open at the National Museum of National History (NMNH). Beyond Bollywood will explore the heritage, daily experience, and numerous, diverse contributions that Indian immigrants and Indian Americans have made to shaping the United States. The exhibition will feature historical and contemporary images and several dozen artifacts, documenting histories of discrimination and resistance, conveying daily experiences and symbolizing achievements across professions. Music and visual art works providing commentary on the Indian American experience will also form a critical component.
Beyond Bollywood will be accompanied by a website, featuring a blog tying contemporary happenings to exhibition themes and opportunities for visitors to digitally share their stories and photographs. From 2013-2014, the exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public programs. Proposed programs include an "Inside the Actors Studio" conversation with an Indian American actor; a film screening; dance and music performances; a book reading; a demonstration and tasting with an Indian American chef; a hip/hop spoken word evening; and a comedy night.
About the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center provides vision, leadership, and support for Asian and Pacific Islander American initiatives for the Smithsonian Institution and works to better reflect their contributions to the American experience, world culture, and the understanding of our planet and the natural world throughout Smithsonian Institution collections, research, exhibitions, outreach, and education programs.
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