“We are giving the collection to UBC so that people can have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the struggles and joys of those who have come before them” – Drs. Wallace and Madeline Chung
From a young age, Wallace Chung had an affinity for discovery, collecting, and preserving. What began as a scrapbook of newspaper clippings and pictures from magazines became an assembly of over 25,000 rare and unique items. The Chung Collection is now regarded as one of Canada’s national treasures and is of special importance in documenting the history of the CPR and the Chinese-Canadian experience. These priceless personal and historical artifacts amassed over a remarkable lifetime are now on permanent display at UBC.
Drs. Wallace and Madeline Chung, UBC Library
Born in Victoria, Dr. Chung attended Victoria College, the University of British Columbia and McGill University. Returning to Vancouver in 1953, he married Dr. Madeline H. Chung (née Huang), with whom he had two children.
Dr. Chung was Head of the UBC Division of General Surgery for nearly 10 years and greatly contributed to enhancing its international reputation. He retired from the University of British Columbia in 1991 but remains active in the medicine as a senior member of the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Chung has contributed generously to the community as an active member and chair of numerous cultural boards including the Canadian Multiculturalism Council, British Columbia Heritage Trust, Vancouver Chinese Cultural Centre, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. He received the UBC Honorary Alumnus Award in 2002.
Dr. Madeline Chung was born in Shanghai, China, and grew up in Hong Kong. She came to North America in 1949 and specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. Throughout her career in Vancouver, which spanned more than forty years, she delivered over 6,500 babies. In 1999 she was made an honorary Life Member of the British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is a founding member of the True Light Chinese School in Vancouver and, like her husband, has contributed greatly to the community.
The Chung Collection in The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
To learn more about the Chung Collection, or to explore the exhibit at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, visit the Chung Collection website. You can also explore the Chinese Experience in B.C. website to learn more about the collection.
Support this remarkable collection – give a gift now.
Stock Certificate from the Chung Collection – photo by Martin Dee