A sign in front of this Museum informs us:
"Chinese American Historical Museum
The original Ng Shing Gung was constructed in 1888
in Heinlenville, the last of five San Jose Chinatowns.
Heinlenville was named after John Heinlen, a German
immigrant, who helped the Chinese after the market Street
Chinatown fore in 1887. Ng Shing Gung sttod on the corner
of Taylor and 6th Street. The building served the Chinese
community as a meeting hall, cultural center, school, hostel, and
place of worship. Today, the building is a historical museum, showcasing the Chinese American pioneers of the Santa
Clara Valley...."
The City's webpage (
visit link) adds:
Chinese American Historical Museum at the Ng Shing Gung
Chinese American Historical Museum at the Ng Shing Gung, History Park, San Jose, CA
Click on the image to take a virtual tour
A joint project by History San José and the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project to share the stories of Chinese Americans in Santa Clara Valley, the museum building is a reconstruction of the original Ng Shing Gung (Temple of the Five Gods) that served as a community center for the Chinese American community. Inside, the first floor of the museum explores the experiences of Chinese Americans in Santa Clara Valley from the mid-19th century through today. The second floor features the alter from the original Ng Shing Gung.
History
The Ng Shing Gung was built in 1888 in “Heinlenville,” at Taylor and Cleveland Streets in San José, to serve as a cultural and religious center for San José’s Chinese community.
“Ng Shing Gung” means “Temple of Five Gods” and was named for the five divinities whose statues were housed within: Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy; Choi Sun, God of Wealth; Cheng Huan, the Canton City God; Kwan Gung, God of War and Justice; and Tien Ho, Queen of Heaven.
The ground floor originally functioned as a community center with a Chinese calligraphy and literature classroom for children. An elaborately carved and gilded altar stood on the second floor.
The original Ng Shing Gung was demolished in 1949. However, the altar, furnishings and a portion of the facade were saved and formed the core of the exhibit completed by the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project in 1991 at History Park. The Chinese American Historical Museum at the Ng Shing Gung houses exhibits and Home Base: A Chinatown Called Heinlenville, a video depicting the life and contributions of the Chinese Americans in the Santa Clara Valley.
The Chinese American Historical Museum is featured in People at Work, History Park Tour, and Coming to America, The Immigration Experience School Programs."