Jose Pinto Stephen

The Indian American Heritage Project (IAHP) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to chronicle the stories of Indian immigrants and their descendants in the U.S. While we trace our heritage to India, our lives now are centered in the U.S. Numbering more than 3 million; Indian Americans now have the opportunity to have their history, contributions, challenges and perspectives be told. How to Share your Story Tell us what being ‘Indian American’ means to you. Email us at IndianAmerican@si.edu with your story (250 word limit). Consider the questions below to help you write your story: Why did your family decide to emigrate? What were your first impressions of America? How have they changed? What was it like growing up in the United States? What are your earliest memories of life in the United States? What connection to India or Indian culture have you had since being in the United States? Why do you think other Americans should learn specifically about Indian Americans? Your story can be submitted alone or with photographs, drawings, poetry and even include scanned copies of official documents.

By submitting your story, documents, or photographs you give permission to the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) to post your story and documents on the IAHP website In December 2013, Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation, a groundbreaking exhibition will open at the National Museum of National History (NMNH). Beyond Bollywood will explore the heritage, daily experience, and numerous, diverse contributions that Indian immigrants and Indian Americans have made to shaping the United States. The exhibition will feature historical and contemporary images and several dozen artifacts, documenting histories of discrimination and resistance, conveying daily experiences and symbolizing achievements across professions. Music and visual art works providing commentary on the Indian American experience will also form a critical component.

Connect with IAHP Email: IndianAmerican@si.edu

Face book: facebook.com/IAHP

Twitter: @apa_center YouTube: apaprogram Website www.apa.si.edu/Indianamerican