The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has issued an urgent appeal for community support as it launches a critical $5 million campaign to sustain its operations. Unlike well-funded Los Angeles landmarks such as the La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum, this independent institution relies solely on public donations to preserve the cultural heritage of Asian Americans and the global impact of martial arts.
The museum’s mission extends beyond displaying artifacts designed by a Disney artist. It serves as an educational sanctuary that highlights the positive contributions of the Asian American community and the cross-cultural influence of martial arts in the West. The museum’s exhibits cover pivotal historical events, including the story of the 442nd American Japanese military regiment, the resilience of martial arts in Japanese internment camps, and the heroism of Filipino Kali icon Jack Santos, who defended Little Tokyo during World War II. Also featured is the legacy of Benny Urquidez, a Latino champion who overcame gang influence to become a world-class fighter.
“History, the internment camps, the 442nd, the heavy pressure of Asian-Hate in America – all these items are addressed in the museum through our rotating exhibits,” said Michael Matsuda, museum president. “These are important, heavy facts that we now have a precious opportunity to educate others about. The martial arts serves as our connection, our common denominator across so many diverse cultures. But the simple, painful truth is that we can only continue forward with your financial support.”
To kickstart the incremental $5 million fundraising goal, the museum has launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding site. Donations can also be made directly through the museum’s website at MAmuseum.com. All contributions go toward sustaining rotating exhibits, funding educational outreach, and keeping the museum’s doors open.
The museum warns that without immediate financial support, these vital pieces of cultural history could be lost forever. “To let this museum stall is to permanently silence a number of memories,” the appeal states. The institution emphasizes that keeping history alive requires active community guardianship, not just appreciation.
The Martial Arts History Museum, located at 201 N. Brand Blvd, B100, Glendale, CA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, artistry, and cultural history. It serves as a critical bridge of understanding for visitors from around the world, connecting Asian American heritage with the global impact of martial arts.
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