Resilience: A History of Chinese Milwaukee

Docent Sara Wong introduces us to the city’s first Chinese immigrants and Chinese-American families, chronicling their contributions to Wisconsin culture and commerce. Only two historical markers recognize the state’s early Chinese immigrants, one on King Drive; the other in Sec. 48 of Forest Home.

Resilience begins in 1874 and Sec. 48. A generation of “bachelors”—laborers who arrived alone in the U.S. and couldn't marry or reunite with family under the Chinese Exclusion Act—are laid to rest and remembered here. Early to mid-twentieth century immigrants and Chinese-American Milwaukeeans raise families, open businesses and establish cultural and religious organizations. Resilience traces their successful efforts to dismantle the discrimination and isolation experienced by earlier generations and ancestors.

Wong’s tour covers personal history, multi-generational families and touches on Chinese religious and memorialization traditions like the Ching Ming Festival (grave-sweeping day). Walk and learn with us and embrace the power of culture and community on this vibrant, first-of-its-kind historical tour.

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Sara Wong is a local history enthusiast known for her engaging walking tours. She aims to inform participants about historical events, figures and spaces, inspiring others to explore and appreciate the diverse history of our community. 

Important information

• This is a 1.5-mile walking tour; please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together.
  

• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather event. Tickets are non-refundable.
  

• Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour. Meet at Halls of History (the building next to the main office inside the Lincoln Avenue entrance).
  

• Check in with your guide. You do not need to bring your paper ticket.
  

• Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery. Please park near Halls of History or the Chapel and not in the spots in front of the office, which are reserved for funerals and cemetery business.
  

• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment afterward to review us on Google or TripAdvisor.
  

Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery.

Waiver

By purchasing ticket(s) and/or by attending a Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum (FH) tour or event, you affirm that you and your guests agree to the following terms and conditions.
I acknowledge, attest, agree and represent as follows:

• I understand that this is a walking tour. I represent that I am in good health, in proper physical condition and capable of walking at least a mile outdoors.
• I assume sole responsibility for my safety and release FH and its guides from all liability or damages resulting from my participation.
• I understand there are inherent risks of taking a walking tour. While the tours are not strenuous, potential risks may include, but are not limited to, uneven walking surfaces, potholes, stick or tree/plant debris on paths, wet or slippery ground, steps, narrow walkways, traffic movement, road crossings.
• I understand and agree that the tour guide reserves the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the tour if he or she feels the tour participant is incapable and/or if a tour member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
• I release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue FH, its principals, affiliated entities, present and former employees, volunteers, guides, owners, managers, partners, contractors, insurers, shareholders, and directors (collectively “Released Entities”) from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses for death, injury, loss or damage of property, in any way arising out of my participation in a FH tour or event, including, without limitation, any and all claims resulting from the negligence of the Released Entities.
• I indemnify and hold harmless the Released Entities from any loss, liability, damage or cost that they may incur for losses and damages which may be brought against me or against any of them by anyone claiming to be injured (including death) or whose property is damaged as a result of my actions arising from or during a FH tour or event.
• I agree to grant FH a royalty-free license to use my photographic, video, or digital likeness, in whole or in part, taken during a tour or event on the property, solely for promotional purposes.
• I authorize FH to provide me with medical assistance, transportation and emergency medical services as the result of injury or health condition. This consent does not impose a duty upon FH to provide such assistance, transportation or services. I have the right to refuse medical assistance.

ABOUT FOREST HOME CEMETERY & ARBORETUM

Established in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery is Milwaukee’s oldest operating cemetery, open to all since its inception. Forest Home Cemetery is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest.

In 2021, Forest Home became the city’s first accredited arboretum, Milwaukee’s largest green space with more 2,600 trees on nearly 200 acres.

Our 189 acres are open daily to the public. Leashed dogs, jogging, strollers and bicycles are welcome. Each year, we host public and private historical and nature-based tours and wellness events, birding opportunities, Doors Open, a Memorial Day event, a Dia de los Muertos 5K and festival and our new Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours. Sign up for our newsletter on the website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (use #foresthomecemetery) so you don’t miss any of our tours and events!

If you enjoy our beautiful space, stay longer! Stop in the office Monday-Friday 8-4:30 and Saturday 10-3:30 or call a counselor (414) 645-2632 to find out about our many burial and placement options.

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Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.