Little Saigon Memory Project
The Little Saigon Memory Project is a collaboration between History Colorado Center Museum of Memory and Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU). The Memory Project is a heartfelt collaboration dedicated to capturing the rich and poignant stories of Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants in Denver’s Little Saigon area. Through the collection of oral histories and community collective memory workshops, we celebrate the resilience, traditions, and vibrant cultures that shape this community. Our aim is to honor and share these invaluable stories through a documentary, and various cultural expressions. By documenting the diverse cultural heritage within Denver's Asian American I communities, we strive to highlight that Asian American history is an integral part of American history.
By capturing these stories, we not only remember and celebrate the past but also honor the enduring spirit and contributions of Denver's Asian American communities. Join us in this journey of remembrance, celebration, and connection.
Photographer/Videographer: Christian Ortiz
The Little Saigon Memory Project focused on the cherished area of Little Saigon in Denver, Colorado, nestled along Federal Blvd between Alameda and Mississippi. Prior to the memory workshops our partner organization CAPU collected 36 deeply personal oral histories which helped inform the collective memory workshops. Our meetings, held at the welcoming Far East Center and History Colorado, have been a testament to the community's dedication and unity. Through the use of trusted community leaders and networks, our two collective memory workshops in May 2024 attracted 60 participants. All of the collection efforts will be highlighted in the slated documentary debut in 2025, we eagerly anticipate welcoming 100 plus attendees on opening night. Little Saigon, home to over 30 small businesses and thousands of Southeast and East Asian individuals, holds a treasure trove of stories waiting to be shared.
Partners and Community Involvement
Current partners for the Little Saigon Memory Project include Colorado Asian Pacific United and the Far East Center. Colorado Asian Pacific United served as a lead in connecting with the community, gathering oral histories, and overall guiding the direction of the work to ensure that the project was truly community-led. The Far East Center offered their space for workshops and their invaluable insights into Asian cultural heritage and community connections, enhancing the project's reach and impact within Denver's Asian communities.
The oral histories, photo collections, documentary, and multimedia expression of stories capture the essence of Denver's cultural richness and amplify the city's diverse heritage and creative expressions- showcasing its vibrant tapestry to the world. These stories have not traditionally been accessible, so our work strives to capture them for the public.
Workshop Activities
Our workshops were vibrant gatherings where community members came together to share, create, and reflect. The following activities fostered a deep sense of belonging and highlighted the community’s collective identity and dreams for the future.
Session 1: Cultural Mapping and Story Circle
In the first workshop on March 16, 2024, participants engaged in cultural mapping, a deeply personal and interactive activity. Community members were invited to draw connections between their personal histories and the significant places within Little Saigon. They created visual 'cultural maps' adorned with drawings, symbols, and words that represented their favorite memories, from beloved foods to significant landmarks. This activity allowed participants to visually map and share their cultural background and personal history as it relates to Little Saigon.
Photographer/Videographer: Gil Asakawa
After the mapping activity, we facilitated a story circle where participants shared their maps with the group. Each participant explained the significance of the pins on their maps, highlighting how their interactions in Little Saigon have shaped their collective identity. This circle shareback encouraged participants to reflect on their connections to the area, discuss memories about specific places, and share thoughts on preservation and legacy. This session fostered a deep sense of belonging and underscored the community’s rich cultural tapestry.
Session 2: Journey Timeline and Story Circle
The second workshop on March 23, 2024, focused on the unique journeys of families to the United States. Participants were asked to create timelines of their journeys, including key moments, challenges, and impressions upon arriving in the U.S. Using dates, locations, and significant people, they highlighted moments of difficulty, success, doubt, courage, and celebration.
In the story circle that followed, participants shared their timelines and discussed how these experiences influenced their sense of belonging and community connections. They reflected on their initial impressions, challenges, and the sense of acceptance and belonging they found over time. This discussion also touched on reflections of gratitude and hopes for the future of Little Saigon. The activity emphasized the resilience and strength of the community, celebrating their journeys and the cultural intersections that enrich Little Saigon.
Both workshops provided a platform for participants to articulate and share their personal stories, fostering a collective memory that celebrates the diverse and vibrant heritage of Little Saigon. Through these activities, we aimed to honor the past, capture the present, and inspire future generations to continue preserving and sharing their stories.
Oral Histories Collection
(Coming Soon) Visit our Soundcloud collection to listen to the heartfelt oral histories of the Little Saigon community→
(Coming Soon) Visit the Collection for English Transcripts→
Keep an Eye Out for Our Documentary
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming documentary debuting in 2025. Our filmmaker, Hannah Tran, is a compassionate visual storyteller with ten years of experience in various media. Hannah's work emphasizes empathy, inclusion, and understanding. Holding a Master of Science degree in Journalism and Media Communication from Colorado State University, she is passionate about social impact storytelling within the LGBTQIA+ and AANHPI communities. Learn more about Hannah Tran at Lionheart Narratives.
Collaborate with the Little Saigon Memory Project
If you have a connection to Little Saigon and wish to share your story, we invite you to reach out to CAPU or Yadira Solis, Museum of Memory Director.
Visit Our Partner
For more information about our partner, Colorado Asian Pacific United, email them at contact@coloradoasianpacificunited.org or visit their website.
Return to Museum of Memory
We collaboratively work to reanimate, center and amplify the histories that have long existed only in the margins and create the opportunity for the community to decide how to remember its collective past.
Project Funders
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their unwavering support and dedication to the Little Saigon Memory Project. Your generosity and commitment have made it possible for us to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Denver's Little Saigon community.
We are profoundly grateful to Colorado Asian Pacific United for their integral and leadership role in the entire Memory Project. Their contributions as oral historians, workshop co-facilitators, and thematic analysts were invaluable to our efforts. We are honored that they entrusted the History Colorado Center to engage with their community, which was crucial to making this project a success. Through our collaboration, we shared knowledge, learned from one another, and made the collection of Asian American stories possible.
