Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a long and rich history in the state of Connecticut but have not enjoyed visibility in the public sphere. As one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the state combined with the recent surge in anti-Asian racism, confronting this invisibility is critical to building a public dialog about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Connecticut Historical Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and share the historical and embodied experiences of the state’s residents is ideally suited to partner with communities and UConn for this initiative. Together with the research and teaching expertise of faculty in the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut, grant funds will be able to connect ongoing community dialogs, academic programming, and public education to reach a wider audience during this time of hardship and in observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Activities in May will initiate a set of long term plans to continue collaborations and build trust with communities to celebrate their lives in Connecticut and understand what brings joy, strength, and prosperity to these under-represented residents.