Partner Event: Dedication of Historic Plaque for Chinese in Napa

On September 4 2023, Labor Day, a historic marker honoring Chinese laborers will be unveiled at China Point Overlook in Napa, California. The new sign looks out onto the historic location of Napa’s Chinatown, once a thriving center of life and culture for Chinese workers. All are welcome to join in the ceremonial sign unveiling including music, prayer, crafts for kids and readings.
China Point Overlook Park is at Soscol and 1st Street.

Project Background: Avid birder, naturalist, and activist Robin Leong, President of the Vallejo Napa Chinese club, first proposed a plaque honoring Chinese in Napa and Napa’s Chinatown on the newly designed First Street Bridge in 2002. Though that initial project didn’t move forward, a seed was planted. In 2017, the city of Napa dedicated the China Point Overlook park location, but it lacked any markers or description of what was being commemorated. Inspired by National Parks Ranger Yenyen Chan’s research on the contributions of the Chinese to the development of Yosemite National Park, Robin renewed the plaque project. Earlier this year, when Robin heard John McCormick speak about his book, Chinese in Napa, the Forgotten Community of Napa Valley, they teamed up and expanded the simple plaque into a more expansive educational sign. Designer Hannah Henry, founder of the 100 Plaques Project and Teach Truth CA, was introduced to the team through the Napa County Historical Society after inquiring about the lack of educational signage at China Point. She joined the effort and provided design and communications support. This team of volunteers, committed to sharing history, was able to finally bring this project home to Napa.