About the Project

The "Roots on Angel Island: Immersion & Research on Early Chinese Immigration to the United States" program was a part of Knox College's Summer 2022 Intercultural Program initiative that focused on immersive learning opportunities. This program was made possible through the generous funding and support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Knox College's Dean's Office, and the Stellyes Center. 

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The project followed an intensive 4-week plan that would allow undergraduates from Knox College to immerse themselves in the topic of early Chinese immigration to the United States from a multi-vectored and interdisciplinary approach. 

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The first week of the experience included an intensive schedule of reading, viewing, and group discussion. We ​covered the subject matter from creative, theoretical, and purely historical approaches. This was meant to serve as an intellectual foundation for our on-site experience. 

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Our second and third weeks focused on the on-site experience. As part of the immersion program, student researchers took part in multiple private lectures, a workshop, site visits to multiple and significant locations, interviews with the descendants of early Chinese immigrants, critical dialogue, and collaborative project work.

The final week of the immersive program was dedicated to finalizing the product of our group work--biographical articles that captured the stories gathered throughout the interviews and site visits.