Cambodia and western Massachusetts intertwined at the State House
BOSTON (WWLP) – The State House is showcasing Cambodian heritage with an exhibit telling the stories of the Khmer people in Amherst.
The Amherst Historical Society and Museum and Amherst Media, alongside a community of partners and Cambodian people, put together an exhibit telling the history of western Massachusetts Khmer community.
This exhibit features artwork, clothing, photographs, and history lessons about the Khmer Rouge and how the Amherst community provided sanctuary for recent immigrants.
An influx of Cambodians fled genocide in their home country in the mid-1970s and resettled in Amherst.
'Your story matters. Our lives matter, and everyone needs to hear it. I think it's huge for Western Mass to be present here on Beacon Hill,' said Amherst Media's Interim Executive Director, Yanna Ok.
Since then, many Cambodian families have relocated to cities like Lowell, and their history in western Massachusetts was already being lost to time.
That's when Cambodian refugees and the Amherst Historical Society came together to make sure their stories are a documented part of the community's history.
'Khmer history is so important to Western Mass. And it's a lost history that we want to continue to share and preserve for you all,' said Vira Douangmany Cage, Amherst Media's Board President.
As part of the preserving history effort, the exhibition opening featured traditional Cambodian dance.
Although the original Amherst exhibit has closed, there will be a virtual tour available, and portions of the exhibit will be displayed inside the State House for the next week.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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