The Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society was created in November 1998. The passion and vision behind its establishment was its founder and our first president, Army Col. Howe Lee.
Chinese Canadian participation in both world wars is not taught in most history classes. And yet the contributions of this group was significant both for Canada’s war effort but also for the Chinese community as a whole.
As a result of their sacrifice in the Second World War, Chinese in Canada were finally able to claim the opportunities and rights afforded other Canadians. They were offered citizenship and the right to vote. Those privileges led, in turn, to membership in professional societies such as law, engineering and medicine — important careers previously closed to Asians.
However, despite their courage and patriotism, there are few official displays dedicated to Chinese Canadian participation in either war.
OUR MANDATE:
The role of our museum society is to research, collect, record and preserve stories, artifacts, memorabilia and photographs that help illustrate this important part of Canadian history. Today, we also work to educate a new generation of Canadians on the role the Chinese played in our country’s history.
We are entirely volunteer run, and we are a charitable non-profit (87503 4225 RR0001) that can provide tax receipts for donations.
MUSEUM SPACE:
We operate a small museum – located within Chinese Cultural Centre complex in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Visit our Museum: 2nd Floor, 555 Columbia Street, Vancouver
SPECIAL PROJECTS:
We also undertake special projects designed to broaden awareness of the contribution and experiences of Chinese Canadian soldiers. Over the years we have collaborated with other museums, historical societies, writers, historians and filmmakers to share our many stories.
MONTY LEE SCHOLARSHIP:
The museum is also proud funder of a scholarship program for veterans and museum members’ families to assist them in pursuing post-secondary education in a field of their choice/endeavour. The scholarship was established by Second World War veteran Monty Lee who served with the RCAF. Applications are open to students attending: College, University, Trade Institutions, Fine Arts – including Video, Film and Music Schools. We are also open to applications from other students who have made significant contributions to CCMMS goals will also be considered.
Scholarship applications generally close at the end of August of each year.
See our 2025 MONTY LEE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION for details.
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
Lastly, we hold monthly meetings that anyone is invited to attend. We usually meet on the first Saturday of the month and mostly using Zoom. To join an upcoming meeting, or to find out more about our work, please send us an email (see below).
Email us: info@ccmms.ca
SUPPORT OUR WORK:
Donate online to our work: Click here.
Donate by cheque: Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society
PO Box 47004 City Square PO, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4L6
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