Biography:
Agnes Hsin Mei Hsu-Tang, an archaeologist and art historian, was born in Taiwan and later became an American citizen. She has made significant contributions to the field of cultural heritage protection and rescue, advocating for the preservation of precious artifacts and historical sites.
As of October 19, 2021, Agnes Hsu-Tang made history by becoming the first person of Asian heritage to be elected as the board chair of the New-York Historical Society, one of the oldest historical institutions in America, founded in 1804. This achievement demonstrates her immense dedication and expertise in the field.
In addition to her role at the New-York Historical Society, Hsu-Tang serves as the Chairwoman of its board of trustees, playing a crucial role in shaping the institution and its programs. She also serves as the Co-chair of The Met Museum’s Objects Conservation Visiting Committee, where she contributes her knowledge and insights to support the conservation of precious artworks.
Hsu-Tang is a recognized authority in the field of archaeology and anthropology. Currently, she holds the position of Distinguished Consulting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Her expertise and passion for cultural heritage have led her to advise reputable organizations such as UNESCO and the U.S. Cultural Property Advisory Committee during the Obama Administration.
For her outstanding and longstanding work in cultural protection and rescue, Hsu-Tang was honored with the IIE’s Centennial Medal in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges her unwavering dedication in safeguarding cultural treasures for future generations.
A true advocate for education and the promotion of Chinese literature, Hsu-Tang co-founded the Hsu-Tang Library for Classical Chinese Literature at Oxford University. This library serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, furthering the understanding and appreciation of Chinese literature and culture.
Hsu-Tang’s contributions extend beyond the realm of academia. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Tang Center for Silk Road Studies at Berkeley, which focuses on the exploration and research of the ancient Silk Road trading route. Additionally, she co-founded the Tang Center for Early China at Columbia University, emphasizing the study of early Chinese history and culture.
A strong believer in the importance of democracy and civic education, Hsu-Tang has supported numerous projects at the New-York Historical Society, including the Tang Academy for American Democracy. This program, offered free of charge to fifth and sixth-grade New York City public school students, aims to educate them about the principles and values of democracy.
In recognition of her influential leadership and commitment to promoting women’s rights, Hsu-Tang received The Met Museum’s Women Leaders Award on March 15, 2023. This prestigious accolade was shared with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Nydia Valesquez, and curator Jasmine Wahi.
Furthermore, Hsu-Tang’s dedication to social justice is evident in her involvement with various projects addressing cultural representation and the fight against discrimination. She provided leadership support for the New-York Historical Society’s exhibitions, such as Chinese in America: Exclusion/Inclusion (2014-2015) and Dreaming Together (2020-2021). She also supported the productions of Opera Saint Louis’s An American Soldier, Santa Fe Opera’s Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and M. Butterfly.
During the challenging times of the COVID pandemic, Hsu-Tang co-founded The Yellow Whistle campaign. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about anti-Asian violence and historical discrimination against Americans of Asian descent. Through the distribution of 500,000 free customized yellow whistles emblazoned with the slogan WE BELONG, the campaign united activist organizations in their efforts to combat prejudice and violence.
In her role as a leader at the New-York Historical Society, Hsu-Tang is leading a significant capital project. The project involves the construction of a 70,000 square foot annex, designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects. This new space will house state-of-the-art classrooms for the award-winning Tang Academy for American Democracy and facilitate collaborative efforts with the American LGBTQ+ Museum.
Recognizing the importance of diversifying the museum workforce and promoting inclusivity, Hsu-Tang developed and supports the New-York Historical Society–CUNY Museum Studies program. This program provides high-quality and affordable graduate curriculum, with a focus on public history and collective heritage, empowering future museum professionals.
Agnes Hsu-Tang’s commitment to cultural heritage preservation, social justice, and promoting education has left an indelible mark on society. Her numerous achievements and contributions have made her a role model for aspiring archaeologists, art historians, and advocates for women’s history.
Awards:
– IIE’s Centennial Medal in 2019
– The Met Museum’s Women Leaders Award on March 15, 2023
– Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Award on May 25, 2023