Reception

Our Journeys Opening Reception

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
5:30 – 7:30PM

Join MPL for the kick-off of Our Journeys, a traveling exhibit presented by the Vietnamese Boat People with an opening reception.

When: May 6, 2026, 5:30–7:30pm

Hosted By: Montclair Public Library
Enjoy: Exhibition Preview, Light Refreshments, Community Building
Free: RSVP Required

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with* Our Journeys*, a powerful multimedia exhibition created by the Vietnamese Boat People nonprofit organization (VBP), on view from May 6 to June 6 during library public hours.

Centering the voices of Vietnamese Americans, Our Journeys brings to life deeply personal stories of migration, memory, and resilience. Through oral histories, cherished artifacts, and interactive elements, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the emotional and historical threads that connect generations across the diaspora.

About the Exhibition
Our Journeys is a curated multimedia experience, inspired by the interviews and content generated by the Vietnamese Boat People podcast and programs. It is developed around the core concept that a story passed down is a gift—something given to another with intention and without obligation. For a community whose stories have often been told by others, this exhibit centers the voices of the Vietnamese diaspora, reclaiming the narrative through personal stories, photographs, displays, and video essays. Visitors will be immersed in the resilience, legacy, and diversity of the community’s lived experiences.

About Montclair Public Library
The Montclair Public Library is a vibrant cultural and educational institution where ideas come to life, fostering artistic enrichment, cultural exploration, and lifelong learning. They strive to connect people of all ages and backgrounds by offering inclusive access to knowledge, creativity, and community through dynamic programming, collaborative spaces, and joyful engagement.

About Vietnamese Boat People
Vietnamese Boat People (VBP) is a nonprofit organization based in Montclair, New Jersey. Established in 2018, their mission is to amplify the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora community, educate and inspire, and foster meaningful connections. The organization’s name, Vietnamese Boat People, initially paid tribute to the millions of refugees who fled Vietnam by boat. Since then, the organization has evolved and is dedicated to supporting all stories from the Vietnamese diaspora community. Through their award-winning podcast, innovative storytelling, digital archives, and community-driven programs, they provide accessible platforms for communities to engage with these narratives. https://www.vietnameseboatpeople.org