Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century

Large numbers of people from mainland China emigrated to the United States and other countries seeking employment. Termed "overseas Chinese," they made lasting contributions to the development of early communities, an impact which has only begun to be recognized in recent years.

Sites of Chinese presence

"Chinatowns," rural mining claims, work camps for railroad and other construction activities, salmon canneries and shrimp camps, laundries, stores, cook shacks, cemeteries, and temples are only some of the sites where traces of their presence can be found.

Recent investigations

In recent years, numerous archaeological and historical investigations of the overseas Chinese have taken place, and "Hidden Heritage" presents the results of some of those studies.