Events

The Yamhill County Historical Society is proud to announce the first Secrets of the Past program of 2025 titled “Airing Our Dirty Laundry: An Early Chinese Enterprise in Yamhill County,” featuring noted speaker Jade Henness from the Asian Heritage Association of Yamhill County. This event will delve into the pivotal role that Chinese-owned laundries played in the local economy during the late 1800s, reflecting broader national themes of race, politics, and immigration.

In the late 19th century, every town in Yamhill County boasted at least one Chinese-owned laundry, with some communities operating two or three establishments. These businesses not only provided essential services but also served as cultural hubs for the Chinese immigrant community. However, their rise and decline serve as a microcosm of the larger societal issues of the time, including discrimination, economic instability, and shifting immigration policies. Henness will explore these themes, shedding light on the resilience and contributions of early Chinese entrepreneurs in the region.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

The Yamhill County Historical Society began in 1957. Its mission is to protect, preserve, and share the history and heritage of Yamhill County. The Society houses the vast Museum’s collections, research library, changing exhibits, store, and administrative offices.