Public Historian Kelsey Green explores the lived experiences of Indianapolis’s earliest Chinese residents, shedding light on the how the “Chinese Question” took shape in the American Midwest. This talk will recount the lived experiences of Chinese immigrants in the region who- bereft of an ethnic enclave or Chinatown— acted as cultural emissaries to the Circle City. They introduced Chinese cuisine, goods, customs, dress, and language to Hoosiers for the first time. It will also illuminate white Midwesterners’ attitudes towards Chinese immigrants and explore their role as “gatekeepers” of American citizenship and identity. After presenting her research, Kelsey will share a short, personal presentation on her path to public history and a Q&A for students interested in the field.
ABOUT KELSEY GREEN:
Kelsey Green is a public historian and freelance writer with experience in academia and public service. She recently served as the Public Outreach Coordinator and Staff Historian for the Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau, and is currently teaching at the University of Indianapolis. Her research explores the lived experiences of Chinese immigrants in Indianapolis and how immigration policy influenced Midwestern identity. She is involved with local history organizations and has conducted research for the State Historical Marker Program and led the Indiana History Collaborative.
The College of Arts