Chinese historical marker dedication & film screening

Hosted by Forest Home Cemetery in partnership with the Organization of Chinese Americans Wisconsin Chapter and Wisconsin Historical Society. Both the marker dedication and film screening are free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated (register once if attending one or both events).

10 AM–11 AM | Marker Dedication
Forest Home Cemetery, Section 48
Join us for the unveiling and dedication of a new Wisconsin Historical Marker honoring Milwaukee’s early Chinese residents buried at Forest Home. This will be only the second marker in Wisconsin recognizing Chinese immigrant history.

11:30 PM–12:30 PM | Film Screening & Talkback
Forest Home Chapel
Following the dedication, attend a screening of From Section 48 to King Drive by filmmaker Yinan Wang, commemorating Wisconsin’s two historical markers honoring Milwaukee’s early Chinese community. Wang will be present for a post-film Q&A.

Educational panels in the chapel will also introduce Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) and explore the history of Chinese immigration in Milwaukee.

Sec. 48: This day only, the gate on Cleveland Avenue will be open to facilitate access to Sec. 48. If entering the cemetery at either the Forest Home Avenue or Lincoln Avenue gates, follow the yellow line on the map (see below) and cross the bridge over Cleveland Avenue. See parking info below.

Sec. 48 & Chapel: From Sec. 48, cross the bridge over Cleveland Avenue and follow the yellow line on the map (see below) to the chapel. See parking info below.

Chapel: Enter at the Forest Home or Linoln avenue entrances and follow signs to the Chapel. See parking info below.

Please park where noted in blue on the map below. You may park along the side of the road; however, be mindful of flat or low headstones. Do not park on both sides of the road if doing so would impede through traffic. Do not park in the spots in front of the office, which are reserved for funerals and cemetery business.

Since its founding in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery has been open to all, regardless of race, class, ethnic heritage, or religion. The Chinese burials are part of a broader history of ethnic and cultural communities represented at the cemetery, which also includes Hmong, Jewish, Muslim, Black and Latino individuals and families.

The Organization of Chinese Americans, Wisconsin Chapter (OCA-WI) is one of 35 chapters of OCA National, which is dedicated to advancing the social, political and holistic well-being of Asian Americans. The Wisconsin chapter was established in the 1980s, with many member families having been part of Milwaukee throughout the 1900s from all walks of life, ranging from small businesses such as hand laundries, restaurants and grocery stores to engineers, health care workers, educators and other professions. For more information on Milwaukee's Chinese community or history, contact [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.