The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has launched a $5 million fundraising campaign to secure its future, warning that without community support, irreplaceable stories of Asian American heritage and martial arts history could be lost forever. In a press release issued Wednesday, the museum called on the public to help it "keep moving forward" as it faces financial challenges common among independent cultural institutions.
Unlike city-funded landmarks such as the La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum, the Martial Arts History Museum operates without guaranteed public funding, relying entirely on donations and admissions. The museum's core mission extends beyond displaying artifacts; it serves as an educational sanctuary that highlights the contributions of the Asian American community and the cross-cultural impact of martial arts. Among the stories it preserves are those of the historic 442nd American Japanese military regiment, the role of martial arts in Japanese Internment camps, and the bravery of Filipino Kali icon Jack Santos, who stood alone to protect Little Tokyo during World War II. The museum also showcases the legacy of Benny Urquidez, a Latino champion who overcame gang influence to become a world-class fighter.
“History, the internment camps, the 442nd, the heavy pressure of Asian-Hate in America - all these items are addressed in the museum through our rotating exhibits,” said Michael Matsuda, museum president. “These are important, heavy facts that we now have a precious opportunity to educate others about. The martial arts serves as our connection, our common denominator across so many diverse cultures. But the simple, painful truth is that we can only continue forward with your financial support.”
To kickstart the campaign, the museum has set up a GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/e0e28705f, which is the first step toward its $5 million goal. Donations can also be made directly through the museum's website at MAmuseum.com. The funds will support rotating exhibits, educational outreach, and operational costs. The museum emphasizes that every contribution, regardless of size, helps ensure these cultural narratives survive for future generations.
The appeal comes at a time when independent museums across the country struggle to stay afloat, often overshadowed by larger, well-funded institutions. The Martial Arts History Museum, located at 201 N. Brand Blvd, B100, Glendale, CA, 91203, is a non-profit educational facility that promotes diversity and cultural understanding through the lens of martial arts. Without community guardianship, the museum warns, these vital pieces of history could be permanently silenced.
