Viet Museum
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The Museum of the Boat People and the Republic of Vietnam, also known as the Việt Museum, was established to display a valuable collection of artifacts, documents, and books related to the experiences of Vietnamese refugees, and the Republic of Vietnam.
Subject: Urgent Update - History San José Announces Intent to End IRCC's Affiliate Agreement for the Viet MuseumDear IRCC Members and Community Members:We are writing to inform you of a serious and urgent development regarding the future of the Viet Museum.History San José (HSJ) has notified IRCC that it intends to terminate the Affiliate Agreement under which IRCC has operated the Viet Museum at Greenawalt House in San José History Park.HSJ has also informed us that it plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking another nonprofit organization to operate a Viet Museum.This represents the most significant threat to the future stewardship of the Viet Museum since the passing of our founder, Colonel Vũ Văn Lộc.For many months, we have shared with our members that this struggle has never been simply about access to a building. It is about whether the history, memory, sacrifice, suffering, courage, resilience, and contributions of the Vietnamese refugee community will continue to be preserved by the very community that lived that history.The Viet Museum was not created by History San José or by the City of San José. It was built through decades of vision, dedication, and service by Colonel Vũ Văn Lộc, IRCC, veterans, refugees, families, donors, volunteers, artists, writers, educators, and countless community members who believed our history deserved to be preserved for future generations.IRCC has initiated legal proceedings to challenge HSJ's actions and to protect the stewardship role that IRCC has faithfully carried out for nearly two decades. The legal process is deliberate and will take time. We believe it is necessary to protect the principles at stake, but we also recognize that preserving our community's heritage requires more than litigation alone.This is not simply a dispute between organizations. It raises broader questions about how California protects charitable institutions, honors donor intent, respects nonprofit governance, fulfills contractual commitments, and preserves the cultural heritage of immigrant communities.These principles matter not only to the Vietnamese American community, but to every community whose history contributes to the story of California.As Vietnamese refugees and descendants of refugees, we believe our community has both the right and the responsibility to preserve its own history and pass it on to future generations. We have the responsibility to safeguard the artifacts, records, photographs, documents, uniforms, paintings, exhibits, oral histories, and personal memories entrusted to the Viet Museum by thousands of individuals and families.The Viet Museum has an important home in the City of San José because the history it preserves is inseparable from the history of this city. The story of Vietnamese refugees is not foreign history. It is California history. It is American history. It is our shared history.Following the vandalism of the "Thank You, America" memorial in the Vietnamese Heritage Garden, Mayor Matt Mahan appropriately described the act as an insult to our community and to our shared history. We share that sentiment.Respect for our shared history means protecting not only the monuments that commemorate it, but also the institutions entrusted with preserving it for future generations. A monument remembers a moment. A museum preserves a people's journey. Together, they safeguard our shared history.Throughout this process, IRCC remains committed to working constructively with all parties to ensure that the Viet Museum continues to serve the public while preserving its mission, honoring the trust of its founders and donors, and remaining faithful to the community that created it.At the same time, IRCC will continue to pursue all appropriate legal remedies, protect the cultural collections and historical materials entrusted to the Viet Museum, seek transparency and accountability from all institutions involved, and defend the legacy of Colonel Vũ Văn Lộc.We also need the moral strength and public voice of our community.We respectfully ask every IRCC member and community member to remain informed, stay united, and be prepared to help. In the coming weeks, we may ask members to support public statements, communicate with elected officials, attend public meetings, speak with the media, assist in documenting the Museum's history, and stand together in preserving our shared heritage.Our message is simple:The Viet Museum's mission, collections, and legacy should remain rooted in and guided by the Vietnamese refugee community that created them.Our story is not foreign history. It is California history. It is American history. It is our shared history.With gratitude and determination,Quinn H. TranPresident & Executive DirectorImmigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center, Inc. / Viet Museum Questions and Answers related to this development:1. Is the theft of the "Thank You, America" memorial related to the Viet Museum?The theft of the "Thank You, America" memorial in the Vietnamese Heritage Garden and the dispute concerning the Viet Museum involve different events and different circumstances.However, both have prompted an important public conversation about how our community's history and cultural heritage are protected.Following the vandalism of the memorial, Mayor Matt Mahan appropriately described the act as an insult to our community and to our shared history. We share that sentiment.Respect for our shared history means protecting not only the monuments that commemorate it, but also the museums, archives, and cultural institutions that preserve the stories, artifacts, and memories of the people they represent.A monument remembers a moment. A museum preserves a people's journey. Together, they safeguard our shared history.The Viet Museum itself also includes memorials and monuments that honor the sacrifices of Vietnamese refugees and veterans. These physical memorials, together with the Museum's collections and educational programs, form a unified place of remembrance, reflection, and learning for future generations.For IRCC, preserving our shared history means protecting all of these expressions of memory—not only individual monuments, but also the institution that gives them historical context and meaning.2. What does IRCC hope to achieve?IRCC seeks a future in which:The Viet Museum continues serving the public.The Museum's mission and integrity are preserved.Community trust and donor intent are honored.California's nonprofit laws and contractual obligations are respected.The Vietnamese refugee community continues to play a meaningful role in preserving its own history.3. Is IRCC asking the community to take sides?No. We ask only that members of the community become informed, learn the facts, and recognize the importance of preserving institutions that safeguard our shared cultural heritage.Regardless of differing viewpoints, we hope everyone will support respectful dialogue and the rule of law.4. What can community members do?You can help by:• Learning about the issues.• Sharing accurate information.• Attending public meetings and community events.• Supporting the preservation of the Viet Museum's mission.• Contacting elected officials respectfully.• Volunteering your time and expertise.• Sharing your family's stories and historical materials so future generations can continue learning from them.5. What message does IRCC want the public to remember?The Viet Museum is more than a building.It represents the journey of Vietnamese refugees, the sacrifices of countless families, and a lasting contribution to California's history.Our story is not foreign history.It is California history.It is American history.It is our shared history.6. What would Colonel Vũ Văn Lộc think?Colonel Vũ dedicated his life to preserving the history of Vietnamese refugees so future generations would understand both the hardships endured and the freedoms gained. We honor that legacy by remaining steadfast, respectful, truthful, and committed to ensuring that the Viet Museum continues to educate, inspire, and serve the public.
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Thư mời: Vietnam War – Untold Stories (Chiếu phim miễn phí – 16/5)Trân trọng kính mời quý vị đến tham dự buổi công chiếu và thảo luận:Vietnam War – Untold StoriesNhững câu chuyện về Việt Nam Cộng Hòa—với thử thách, hy sinh và ý chí kiên cường.Hội trường Issac Newton70 W. Hedding St, San JoseThứ Bảy, 16 tháng 5, 20261:00–3:00 PM hoặc 3:00–5:00 PMVào cửa miễn phíĐây không chỉ là một bộ phim, mà còn là dịp để chúng ta cùng tưởng nhớ, suy ngẫm và trân trọng lịch sử của cộng đồng mình.Kính mời quý vị cùng gia đình và thân hữu đến tham dự.————Dear members and community,You are warmly invited to a special film premiere and discussion:Vietnam War – Untold StoriesStories of South Vietnam—its challenges, sacrifices, and resilience.Issac Newton Auditorium70 W. Hedding St, San JoseSaturday, May 16, 20261:00–3:00 PM or 3:00–5:00 PMFree AdmissionThis is more than a film screening—it is a chance to remember, reflect, and honor the voices and history of our community.We hope you will join us and bring family and friends.Warmly,
Quá tuyệt vời giọng hát Diệu Linh với bản Tình Ca của nhạc sĩ Phạm Duy at the IRCC Viet Museum 51st commemoration event 30 tháng 4.
Quang Khải & Lệ Phương với bài “Chiều Tây Đô” – IRCC Viet Museum 51st Commemoration Event.