Taiwanese American Historical Society (TAHS, 臺美人文史學會)
The Taiwanese American Historical Society (TAHS) is an organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the history of Taiwanese Americans in the United States. Founded by Leonard Hsu (許良天), TAHS focuses on capturing the stories of Taiwanese immigrant families, community leaders, and cultural institutions that have shaped the Taiwanese American experience.
Mission
TAHS aims to create a comprehensive and accessible archive of Taiwanese American history, ensuring that the contributions and experiences of Taiwanese Americans are recorded for future generations. The society works to:
- Document the lives and stories of Taiwanese American individuals, families, and communities
- Preserve historical records, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts
- Connect the Taiwanese American community through shared history and heritage
- Educate both the community and the broader public about Taiwanese American history
Projects
Wiki and Knowledge Graph
TAHS maintains a public wiki documenting Taiwanese American people, organizations, events, and cultural references. The wiki is built using the Quartz static site generator and includes interconnected entries covering:
- People — Community leaders, pastors, activists, and notable Taiwanese Americans
- Organizations — Churches, cultural associations, advocacy groups, and educational institutions
- Events — Historical events, cultural celebrations, and community milestones
- Geography — Settlement patterns, key communities, and cultural landmarks
Echo System
TAHS operates the Echo System, a multi-channel community engagement platform that connects with the Taiwanese American community through various communication channels. The system supports bilingual (English/Traditional Chinese) interactions and focuses on building community connections.
Founding
TAHS was founded by Leonard Hsu (許良天), a community member committed to preserving Taiwanese American history. The organization emerged from the recognition that Taiwanese American stories were under-documented and at risk of being lost as the first generation of immigrants ages.
Relationship with TaiwaneseAmerican.org
TAHS works alongside TaiwaneseAmerican.org, a separate non-profit founded in 2006 that serves as a web portal highlighting Taiwanese American people, events, and organizations. While TaiwaneseAmerican.org focuses on contemporary community connections and storytelling, TAHS focuses specifically on historical documentation and archival work.