Overview

Join the 1882 Foundation and the Locke Foundation in the historic town of Locke for a Talk Story with debut author Madelyn Postman.

Talk Story: Staring into the Sun

Postman's debut essay collection Staring into the Suntraces multiple generations of her Chinese American family from the late 1800s to 2015 and reflects on themes of immigration and identity, intergenerational loss, and cultural erasure. Spanning continents and centuries, the collection weaves together stories from her great-great-grandfather Joe Shoong's journey from the impoverished outskirts of Zhongshan, China, to the National Dollar Stores of the American West, and finally, to Postman's own reckoning with her mother's death by suicide and what it means to carry a secret that shaped her entire life.

The event will include a plaque unveiling at the Locke Chinese Schoolhouse (refurbished with funding from Joe Shoong in 1952 ); an author talk and Q+A; a book signing with the author; and complimentary light refreshments. All ages are welcome.

This event is hosted in partnership with the Locke Foundation, whose mission is to educate the public about Locke’s history and legacy through preservation and cultural activities. Find out more here: https://locke-foundation.org

Schedule

12:30 Locke Foundation plaque unveiling at the Locke Chinese School Museum

1:00 Talk Story: Staring into the Sun at the Pearl

2:30 Book signing with Madelyn Postman

3:00 Reception (free refreshments) at the Jan Ying Museum

About Us

The 1882 Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the history, experiences, and contributions of Chinese Americans are recognized, preserved, and included in the American story.

Learn more here: https://1882foundation.org