In January of 1998, the Balch mounted an exhibit exploring the history of Philadelphia's Chinatown. This history was based in part on an oral history project completed by Jianshe Wang in the summer of 1997 with funding from the Samuel S. Fels Fund. Following is a short version of Chinatown's unique history, the dreams of its residents, and their struggles for survival and recognition in the larger society.

Jianshe Wang and Kathryn Wilson