A Vernon teacher has captured the remarkable story of hockey trailblazer Larry Kwong in a children害羞草研究所檚 book that will be the focus of the first instalment of a new event series.
The Museum and Archives of Vernon, in collaboration with the Vernon branch of the Okanagan Historical Society (OHS), have announced the launch of their speaker series, Hometown Histories. The inaugural event in the series is set to take place May 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the museum.
The first featured speaker is local teacher Chad Soon, whose presentation will focus on the life and legacy of Vernon害羞草研究所檚 Larry Kwong, who broke the colour barrier when he became the first player of Asian descent to play in the National Hockey League in 1948.
An expert on Kwong and his place in hockey history, Soon offers a unique perspective on the historical significance of the Vernon icon.
Attendees can expect an engaging exploration of Kwong害羞草研究所檚 experiences, with particular emphasis on his formative years growing up in Vernon in the 1920s and 害羞草研究所�30s.
害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e honored to welcome Chad Soon as our guest speaker for this special event,害羞草研究所� said Gwyneth Evans, museum archives manager. 害羞草研究所淗is insights into Larry Kwong害羞草研究所檚 life will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of Vernon害羞草研究所檚 rich cultural heritage.害羞草研究所�
Soon released his co-authored children害羞草研究所檚 book, The Longest Shot, in February. Copies of the book 害羞草研究所� which also involved the contributions of fellow author George Chiang and illustrator Amy Qi 害羞草研究所� will be available for cash purchase during the event.
Proceeds from book sales will support the Larry Kwong Memorial Hockey 4 Youth program, which expanded to Vernon last year and gives disadvantaged kids a chance to take part in Canada害羞草研究所檚 national pastime, regardless of their place of origin or their family害羞草研究所檚 income.
May is Asian Heritage Month, and Soon said the Vernon talk and book launch lines up nicely with this year害羞草研究所檚 theme: preserving the past, embracing the future, and amplifying Asian Canadian legacy.
The Hometown Histories speaker series represents the first of several co-hosted activities that the museum and OHS Vernon hope to achieve in 2024 and beyond.
Since its founding in 1925, the OHS has been an advocate for the preservation of local history. Clint Evans, president of the Vernon branch, expressed enthusiam for the partnership between his organization and the museum.
害羞草研究所淭his collaboration presents a wonderful opportunity for our organizations to combine efforts and resources. We are thrilled to commence our revitalized partnership with a presentation by Chad Soon, whose dedication to local history embodies the essence of our mission,害羞草研究所� Evans said.
Tickets for the speaker series event are $10 and must be pre-purchased online at . Seating is limited, so people are encouraged to reserve their spots early.
For tickets and further information, .
Do you have a story to share that you think would be a good fit for the speaker series? Reach out to Gwyneth Evans at gwyn.evans@vernonmuseum.ca.
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