Hmong Museum Secures $65,000 Grant Document Minnesota History through New Fellowship
Press Release
Hmong Museum Secures $65,000 Grant Document Minnesota History through New Fellowship
ST. PAUL, MN - April 15, 2026 — Hmong Museum is proud to announce a landmark initiative of its new nine-month paid research fellowship. This is made possible by a $65,000 grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. The project marks a significant step forward to enrich Hmong scholarship and to focus on preserving and documenting the rich history of the Hmong community in Minnesota, which is often scattered or undocumented.
As the inaugural fellows for the Hmong Museum’s new research fellowship, May Lee-Yang and Viva Yang bring an unmatched depth of expertise, from award-winning literary arts to decades of leadership in both multilingual communications and community building.
"We are beyond thrilled to welcome May Lee-Yang and Viva Yang as our inaugural fellows. Their unique blend of artistic mastery and deep community roots will provide insight and a unique backdrop for the research,” says Mai Huizel, Hmong Museum Executive Director.
Lee-Yang and Yang’s research will be featured in the Hmong Museum’s upcoming journal, titled Peb Li, which means“Ours.”
"This generous funding from the Minnesota Historical Society allows us to turn community memory into a documented legacy," says Mai Huizel, Hmong Museum Executive Director. "This fellowship is crucial for building a foundation of accredited scholarship regarding Hmong Minnesotan history."
This project was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
About Hmong Museum
The Hmong Museum is a nonprofit museum dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Hmong heritage and culture. Our vision is to foster kinship by weaving connections across communities to celebrate our shared human experience. We fulfill this through our mission of deepening the connection and appreciation of Hmong American history and heritage through collaborative initiatives, educational programs, and intergenerational healing. Learn more at hmongmuseummn.org.
Photo of May Lee-Yang and Viva yang available upon request.
Contact:
Mai Huizel
Executive Director
612-208-6257
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