The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale has launched a critical $5 million fundraising campaign to ensure its survival, issuing a heartfelt plea for community support. Unlike city-funded institutions such as the La Brea Tar Pits or the Natural History Museum, the museum operates independently and faces financial vulnerability. Its exhibits, designed by a Disney artist, go beyond artifacts to serve as an educational sanctuary highlighting Asian American contributions and martial arts' cross-cultural impact.
The museum's mission includes preserving stories that risk being lost, such as the legacy of the 442nd American Japanese military regiment and the resilience of Japanese Americans in internment camps. It also honors figures like Filipino Kali icon Jack Santos, who protected Little Tokyo during wartime unrest, and Benny Urquidez, a Latino champion who overcame gang influence. These narratives underscore the human spirit and cultural heritage that the museum aims to protect.
To fund its operations, the museum has initiated a GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/e0e28705f as a first step toward its $5 million goal. President Michael Matsuda emphasized the museum's role in addressing heavy topics like internment camps and Asian hate through rotating exhibits. “The martial arts serves as our connection, our common denominator across so many diverse cultures,” Matsuda stated. “But the simple, painful truth is that we can only continue forward with your financial support.”
Donations can be made via the crowdfunding page or directly at MAmuseum.com, with funds supporting rotating exhibits, educational outreach, and daily operations. The museum, a nonprofit located at 201 N. Brand Blvd, B100, Glendale, CA, remains dedicated to bridging understanding of Asian American heritage and martial arts history for global visitors.
