HARRISBURG, PA — The State Museum of Pennsylvania has unveiled a powerful new exhibit titled Portraits of Identity: Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander Stories Through the Lens. Running through June 15, 2025, the exhibit celebrates the unique experiences and enduring contributions of Harrisburg’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, offering a compelling exploration of identity, culture, and resilience.
Presented in partnership with the HAAPI community and The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, the exhibit serves as a centerpiece for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2025. It features a collection of personal stories paired with evocative photographic portraits, painting a vivid picture of the lives and histories of AAPI residents in the region.
The project stems from a desire to counteract the wave of anti-Asian hate incidents reported nationally in 2020 by fostering greater visibility and understanding. Through the exhibit, organizers sought to emphasize the importance of storytelling in bridging divides and building empathy within diverse communities.
“We are grateful to The State Museum and The Foundation for Enhancing Communities for bringing our stories to life,” said Ellen Min, Chair and Founder of HAAPI. “To know that we will be in community with thousands of museum visitors over these next few months is truly incredible.”
State Museum Director Angelica Docog expressed the institution’s dedication to representation and inclusivity, stating, “Portraits of Identity is a testament to the strength and beauty of the HAAPI community in Harrisburg. We are honored to collaborate with HAAPI to bring these important stories to life and provide a platform for dialogue and understanding.”
This exhibit builds upon The State Museum’s earlier efforts to highlight AAPI history and culture, furthering its commitment to amplifying the stories that define Pennsylvania’s diverse heritage. For visitors, Portraits of Identity offers an opportunity to engage deeply with the lived experiences of Harrisburg’s AAPI community while reflecting on the broader struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities throughout history.
By showcasing the resilience and richness of this community, the exhibit invites Pennsylvanians to celebrate the diversity that contributes to the state’s cultural fabric, leaving a lasting impact on future narratives of inclusion and representation.
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