History and Archaeology of the Chinese in Idaho

The University of Idaho Confucius Institute, Alfred W. Bowers Laboratory of Anthropology, and the Asian American Comparative Collection invite you to join them in celebrating Global Confucius Institute Day with a presentation by Dr. Priscilla Wegars! People from China began coming to Idaho in the mid-1860s. While most were then employed as miners, they also performed a wide variety of other occupations, and made important contributions to the growth and development of Idaho as a state. This presentation provides background on Chinese immigration and focuses on the Chinese experience in Idaho, including occupations, geographical distribution, customs, anti-Chinese legislation, Chinese women, and other topics. Excavations of Chinese archaeological sites in Idaho have shown that the Chinese here relied mostly on familiar products imported from China, but used American-made goods on occasion. A hands-on exhibit of Chinese artifacts from the UI's Asian American Comparative Collection (AACC) will enhance the presentation. Refreshments will be provided by the Confucius Institute. All are welcome to attend but seating is limited so please plan on arriving early to this informative event!