Hmong and Hmong Americans

Proclamation from the State of Wisconsin Office of The Governor, March 2024.

"The Hmong overcame adversity as they fled war-torn Laos in the wake of the Vietnam War to establish a new life in Wisconsin. Together, this community has built support systems to preserve their traditions and to help one another as they enrolled in schools, started businesses, and strove for independence. While their shared experience and history of perilous journeys, refugee camps, and discrimination will never be forgotten, these tragedies do not define them. The Hmong story is a story of survival and hope as they have become an important part of Wisconsin communities."

"The Hmong first arrived in Minnesota in late 1975, after the communist seizure of power in Indochina. They faced multiple barriers as refugees from a war-torn country, but with the help of generous sponsors, have managed to thrive in the Twin Cities area, a region they now claim as home. Today, many Hmong promote the economic, social, and political diversity of the state."

Includes short answers to the following Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are there more Hmong coming to the United States?
- Do the Hmong want to integrate into American society?
- What is the Hmong population in Central Wisconsin?
- Where do Hmong people live in the U.S.?
- Who are the Hmong?
- Why are there Hmong in Wisconsin?
- Why does the Hmong population in Wisconsin continue to grow?

Features twelve brief entries from 40000 BCE to 2015.

Features digitized transcriptions and audio files of oral history interviews.

Features digitized transcriptions and audio files of oral histories with the Hmong Women's Action Team Oral History Project.

April 16, 2025: "April is Hmong Heritage Month in Wisconsin, which honors the culture and contributions of the largest Asian ethnic group in our state. Learn more about Hmong culture and celebrate Hmong Heritage Month with these programs from PBS Wisconsin."

December 7, 2024: "The community gathered to celebrate the end of the harvest season and look forward to a prosperous new year."

December 21, 2022: ". . . HLUB: Hmong Living in Unity and Balance hosted the Twin Ports Hmong New Year celebration, which included a fashion show!"

"Hmong soldiers served as allies of the U.S. during the Vietnam War, and after facing persecution, many fled as refugees and resettled elsewhere around the world, with the first wave of immigrants to Wisconsin arriving in the late 1970s and early 1980s."

". . . as members of the community increasingly contribute to the region's economy, politics and culture, hopes are growing that future generations can transcend ongoing struggles with understanding and acceptance."

"Driving North from Madison, Wisconsin to the small town of Wausau, Lidia stops at a series of Hmong vegetable gardens. . . "

Features brief synopses of five locations in the Twin Cities area.