Cambodian Association of Illinois

It’s no small undertaking to have a building that’s both a museum and a community resource center — especially for a community that’s as relatively small as Chicago’s Cambodians.
I feel weird with Unilocal giving a «Woohoo!» to a place dedicated to honoring and remembering a genocide, but this place is worth seeing both for the historical value and to get a perspective on genocides other than those that took place during WWII.
I found the staff — particularly the executive director — tremendously friendly and informative and the information is well presented.
Also, it must be said as part of my general enthusiasm — they have a nice little gift shop area where you can buy interesting textiles and other things at very reasonable prices. Stuff you won’t see anywhere else.
Interesting that Unilocal says that this is in Ravenswood. Given that’s it’s on the south side of Lawrence, it might be Ravenswood Manor, but most would consider it Albany Park.
A really nice thing to have in a very interesting neighborhood.

Growing up in Albany Park, I had many Cambodian friends. Both my elementary school and community center offered Cambodian ESL classes and other programs geared towards Cambodian immigrants. Throughout the years, I’ve learned a little bit of their culture through my friends, school, and festivals. But my recent visit to the Cambodian Association of Illinois was a true learning experience.
This review is based primarily on my tour of their Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial. The museum director, Mr. Daas was my guide, walking me through the exhibits and memorial. He spoke about Cambodian Buddhism, its origins, practices, and art. There are several sculptures throughout the museum, created by their own artist (Chhoeut Tuy), and other carved wood and stone art. The current exhibit explores socio-​economic, cultural, and historical issues in Cambodia. I learned about fishing, rice harvest, and silk production.
After viewing the exhibits, we headed over to the Killing Fields Memorial. The Wall of Remembrance honors the 2 million people who died during the Khmer Rouge régime. Many Cambodians throughout the country come here to pay their respects and to add names of family and friends lost in the genocide. The Cambodian Association of Illinois itself was formed in 1976 by a group of Cambodian refugee volunteers to assist those who fled the war-​torn country. They provide several programs for this community: education, citizenship help, employment assistance, seniors services, health fairs, counseling, summer camp for children, and cultural workshops.
This place is vital to Cambodian-​Americans here in Chicago. They help immigrants adjust to life in America while maintaining their culture and heritage. That’s what community is all about. Definitely check out their museum the next time you’re in the neighborhood.

A great place that has a Cambodian Holocaust musuem. A must-​see for anyone interested in Cambodian history.