Boston's Chinatown: Past VS Present
Chinatown in Boston began in 1875 when the first immigrants pitched their tents on Oliver Way, later renamed to Ping On Alley. This is believed to be the first settlement of Chinese immigrants to Boston. From Ping On Alley Chinatown began as the cultural center for Chinese immigrants in Boston (Ping On Alley). Present day Chinatown has been through many rough times, including being cut in half to make way for a Highway and having the area near it be designated as Bostons red light district. Chinatown is located in downtown Boston and has many subway stops located either in or near Chinatown. The Chinese population of Boston has changed greatly since the 1870's. The older generation or first generation immigrants tend to live in or very close to Chinatown and speak mainly Chinese. As the families grow and have children, the children are seen as the bridge between the older generations and the newer generations and outside communities (Kiang). The newer generations of Chinese people in Boston are more likely to assimilate into the mainstream American culture (Chinsen).
Chinatown in Boston began in 1875 when the first immigrants pitched their tents on Oliver Way, later renamed to Ping On Alley. This is believed to be the first settlement of Chinese immigrants to Boston. From Ping On Alley Chinatown began as the cultural center for Chinese immigrants in Boston (Ping On Alley). Present day Chinatown has been through many rough times, including being cut in half to make way for a Highway and having the area near it be designated as Bostons red light district. Chinatown is located in downtown Boston and has many subway stops located either in or near Chinatown. The Chinese population of Boston has changed greatly since the 1870's. The older generation or first generation immigrants tend to live in or very close to Chinatown and speak mainly Chinese. As the families grow and have children, the children are seen as the bridge between the older generations and the newer generations and outside communities (Kiang). The newer generations of Chinese people in Boston are more likely to assimilate into the mainstream American culture (Chinsen).
Present Day Cultural Influences
The Chinese immigrants of Boston have worked to preserve their culture and prevent it being lost to the passage of time (Chin). Many murals can be found scattered across Chinatown, depicting Chinese beliefs or pertaining to the traditional Chinese art style. The preservation of the culture is not limited to just the artwork, however. The Asian American Studies Program has previously gone to a graveyard where many Chinese Bostonites were buried and worked to restore and record deteriorated gravestones, and has located several deceased relatives that had previously been missing or hard to find. Through various efforts such as these and many others, the culture of China can be passed on to future generations (Kiang).
The Chinese immigrants of Boston have worked to preserve their culture and prevent it being lost to the passage of time (Chin). Many murals can be found scattered across Chinatown, depicting Chinese beliefs or pertaining to the traditional Chinese art style. The preservation of the culture is not limited to just the artwork, however. The Asian American Studies Program has previously gone to a graveyard where many Chinese Bostonites were buried and worked to restore and record deteriorated gravestones, and has located several deceased relatives that had previously been missing or hard to find. Through various efforts such as these and many others, the culture of China can be passed on to future generations (Kiang).