UBC Library is proud to unveil a documentary film and a book looking at the fascinating stories behind the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection – a designated national treasure that was donated to the Library in 1999.
The book and film were formally unveiled on January 30 at a special event to honour Wallace and Madeline Chung. Many UBC professors and scholars were on hand to celebrate, including UBC History Professor Henry Yu and former University Librarian Peter Ward. UBC Chancellor Sarah Morgan-Silvester, who opened the proceedings, said the Chung Collection informs groundbreaking research and has a lasting impact on the study of Chinese Canadian history. Ward commented that “collecting is a deeply personal process,” and called the collection a “significant contribution” to UBC.
In an onstage dialogue, Dr. Wallace Chung shared his thoughts about the collection, and reminded everyone that it is essential to forgive the past – but not to forget it.
The production of the book and film were made possible due to a generous donation from Canadian Pacific in 2011. The donation is also helping fund the digitization of the Chung Collection. Since June 2012, the Library has digitized more than 1,200 items, totalling over 40,000 images.
“The completion of a new book and film and the continuing digitization of the collection will open doors to the rich history and cultural importance that lies within these unique stories, artifacts, and documents,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope.
THE BOOK
Golden Inheritance: The Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection at UBC Library, penned by local author and UBC alumnus Larissa Buijs, provides an overview of Dr. Chung and his family, profiles the dedication and dynamics behind the Chung Collection, and offers an in-depth examination of its three themes: early B.C. history, immigration and settlement, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
The result is an absorbing read, accompanied by an array of images, that speak to an exceptional collection, its passionate collector and the broader forces that inspired the Chung Collection and helped shape today’s Canada.
As author Larissa Buijs writes, “The strengths of the Chung Collection lie not only in the merits of its titanic array of primary source materials – many of which would be nearly impossible to find today – but also in the invaluable perspective it offers on the development of Canada from a Western Canadian and, in particular, Chinese Canadian viewpoint.”
Dr. Chung has personally dedicated Golden Inheritance to his parents Chung Ham and Chung Hung Sze, and to the pioneers whose toil and sacrifices have made their dream of Gold Mountain a reality for all those who followed them.
THE FILM
How can a collection tell the story of a nation, of a community, of a personal journey of discovery? Passage of Dreams: The Chung Collection is a documentary that features the stories of UBC alumnus Dr. Wallace B. Chung and his childhood love of collecting Canadian Pacific items. Featuring personal stories shared by Dr. Chung on his beloved artifacts, the film provides an important look at BC history from the perspective of early Chinese-Canadian pioneers.
Produced by Gemini Award-winning producer Karin Lee and sponsored by Canadian Pacific, the documentary reveals how events from the past shape our distinctive Canadian identity today. Says Lee, the “whole story of the Chinese experience” is on display in the Chung Collection.
LEARN MORE
The book and DVD are currently in circulation at Koerner, Asian and Education library branches.
The book and film are also on display in an exhibit until February 22, 2013 in the Level 2 foyer of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.
VISIT THE COLLECTION
In-Person
The Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection
The University of British Columbia
Rare Books and Special Collections
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Level 1
1961 East Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia
Online