“A New and Enriched Life” examines the lineage of New York City-based organizations formed by Chinese-American women in the first half of the 20th century. From the 1920s to the 1950s, the Chinese Young Women’s Christian Association, the Ging Hawk Club, the Chinese Women’s Association, the Chinese Women’s New Life Association, and the American Women’s Voluntary Services Chinese Unit were active in Chinatown at various times. By exploring the stories of these organizations' founding, activities, and goals for their members, much can be learned about the way in which the role of Chinese- and American-born women in the public sphere evolved over these few decades. The stereotype of the "secluded housewife" that dominated the American understanding of Chinese women at the turn of the century shifted towards a perception of these women as leaders and activists, involved in social and political issues on a local, national, and international level. 

This exhibit draws from primary sources including photographs, organizations' ephemera, and oral histories from Theodora Wang, Lillian Louie, and Josephine Hong, who were all involved in one or more of these organizations. All born in different places at different times, their narratives provide an understanding of the range of experiences held by the women who joined these organizations, discussing immigration, expectations for women, education, and activism.