Chinese American Memorial Dedication at Historic Congressional Cemetery

1801 E Street Southeast,Washington DC 20003

03 April, 2022

Description

Join 1882 Foundation and Historic Congressional Cemetery as we unveil a memorial dedicated to Chinese Americans buried at Range 99 In celebration of Qing Ming, the Chinese tomb-sweeping festival, and to commemorate the place of Chinese Americans in American history, 1882 Foundation and Historic Congressional Cemetery invite you to the unveiling of the refurbished memorial at Range 99, the burial site that marks the presence of Chinese Americans in D.C. and America. Since 1807, Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, in Southeast D.C. near the Anacostia River, has been a final resting place for military generals, public officials, Native American dignitaries, and people of all professions, social positions and ages. In addition to the famous Congressional cenotaphs that make the cemetery distinct, J. Edgar Hoover, John Philip Sousa, Marion Barry, Pushmataha, Taza, both Confederate and Union soldiers, and many more historic figures rest here. The cemetery was registered as a National Historical Landmark in 2011, and it hosts many educational, commemorative, and community events. However, few people know that, between 1896 and 1938, nearly 100 Chinese were buried at the cemetery's Range 99. Per Chinese custom, their remains were later returned for reburial in China so that families could provide essential ancestral rites. Today, there are no markers at the burial site. Among the first Chinese immigrants to Washington, D.C., their lives have been unmarked - literally - in this part of D.C. and American history. 1882 Foundation and Historic Congressional Cemetery dedicate this memorial to recognize and remember Chinese Americans in America. You can learn more about the Range 99 Project here. Join us for light refreshments, remarks about Chinese traditional burial customs, guided tours of the cemetery, and a family-style meal at Chinatown Garden in D.C.'s Chinatown. Events at the cemetery are free ($10 suggested donation). We are offering two guided tours of the cemetery before and after the dedication ceremony. Please see schedule, below. Dinner is $30 per person. BOTH EVENTS REQUIRE RSVP BY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022. Schedule: 1:00pm - Guided tour of Congressional Cemetery (we will begin at the gatehouse) 2:00pm - Memorial Dedication Ceremony (at Range 99) 2:30pm - Guided tour of Congressional Cemetery 6:30pm - Dinner at Chinatown Garden, 618 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001 Wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. The centuries have made many grave markers and sites unstable. You will need to take care when you are stepping near markers as there are depressions, sink holes, footstones, and corner markers hidden in the grass. There is a lack of shading in the cemetery; dress appropriately for the weather. Wheelchair access is available, though it may be a little bumpy along the footpaths. Free street parking is available around the cemetery, especially along E Street.