Beyond the Sidebar: Unveiling the Asian American Icons Who Built the Nation

New exhibition opening in NYC September 12-27 reveals 150 years of erased history, from the Transcontinental Railroad to modern AI.

NEW YORK, NY, August 12, 2026 — This September, Hidden in Plain Sight: Asian Americans and the Making of America bursts onto the New York cultural scene to rewrite the American narrative. Coinciding with the nation’s 250th year of independence, this powerful exhibition yanks Asian American history out of the sidebars and places it squarely where it belongs: at the center of the American story.

Led by John Wang, founder of the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC), the exhibition spans 150+ years of grit, innovation, and rebellion.

Why This Story Matters Right Now

“Hidden in Plain Sight is deeply personal to us because it reflects the same truth that has guided AABDC for 25 years: Asian American contributions have too often been overlooked, even as they have helped shape the nation in extraordinary ways. As we mark our 25th anniversary of our flagship Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business awards this September, this exhibition is a powerful reminder that recognition matters — and that telling these stories is part of honoring the people who have built, strengthened, and inspired America,” Wang said.

10 Human Stories Changing the Narrative

Forget dry textbooks. This immersive exhibition uses archival photos and personal artifacts to spotlight ten fiercely resilient pioneers:

• The Builders: Lee Shao and the forgotten Chinese workers who connected a continent via the Transcontinental Railroad.

• The Innovators: Lue Gim Gong, the horticulturalist who saved Florida's citrus industry, and Tie Sing, the backcountry chef who inspired the National Park Service.

• The Scientists: Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, the "First Lady of Physics," and Narinder Singh Kapany, the father of fiber optics.

• The Tech Titans: NVIDIA founder Jensen Huang and AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, driving today's global tech revolution.

• The Rule Breakers: Susan Ahn Cuddy, the first Asian American woman US Navy officer, labor leader Larry Itliong (Delano Grape Strike), and Patsy Takemoto Mink, the co-author of Title IX.

  
  

Together, these ten deeply human stories illuminate broader themes of resilience, innovation, and civic impact. Curated by Masha Pyshkina, with exhibition design by Abigail Honor of Lorem Ipsum Corp. and fabrication by Dimensional Worldwide, Inc., Hidden in Plain Sight combines rigorous historical research with an immersive visual experience that brings these overlooked narratives to life.

Exhibition Details

• Exhibition: Hidden in Plain Sight: Asian Americans and the Making of America

• Location: Federal Hall National Memorial, 15 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005

• On View: September 12–27, 2026, Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET

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About AABDC

The Asian American Business Development Center, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1994. It assists Asian American businesses in strengthening their capacity to compete in the mainstream market, to expand business opportunities and to promote recognition of Asian American businesses’ contributions to the general economy.

Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC): www.aabdc.com 

About America250:

America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

America250: www.america250.org