Skip to main content

Katherine M. Chin collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 3148

Abstract

The collection contains documents relating to Katherine and Calvin Chin’s involvement in the Asian American community in Maryland. Materials highlight their work to strengthen business relations between Maryland and Asian countries, especially China, as well as educate Marylanders about Asian culture.

Dates

  • 1967-2013
  • Majority of material found in 1982-2011

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical Note

Katherine “Kitty” Moy and her husband, Calvin Chin, were active in Asian American community relations in Baltimore and the state of Maryland. They participated in many organizations and committees which promoted stronger ties between Asian countries and Maryland, especially in business.

The Chins married in 1951 and had one daughter, Stephanie Anne Chung. Calvin grew up in Baltimore. He was raised by his parents, Chin Quon and Lee Young Ho, on Paca Street and worked for various Baltimore-based family businesses, including the China Clipper Restaurant and China Tea Import Co. He attended City College and graduated in 1942, after which he joined the Navy and served in the Pacific theater. He then attended University of Maryland, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. He operated the Carthay House Restaurant until Mayor Thomas J. D’Alesandro appointed him to a city tax assessor position and continued to work in government for the rest of his career.

Katherine, a registered dietician, taught nutrition and dietetics at Johns Hopkins University to student nurses. She then worked for the Baltimore County Board of Education implementing health initiatives in school. She also taught Chinese cooking classes at the family’s restaurant, the International Gourmet Center. Throughout her life, she, along with her husband, worked to promote Asian American culture in Maryland. She was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and has over the years, worked closely with Baltimore’s Sister City relationship with Xiamen, China, and Maryland’s sister province, Anhui.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 box; 1 oversize folder)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The collection is organized chronologically.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Katherine M. Chin in November 2013.

Scope and Contents

The collection contains documents relating to Katherine and Calvin Chin’s involvement in the Asian American community in Maryland. Materials highlight their work to strengthen business relations between Maryland and Asian countries, especially China, as well as educate Marylanders about Asian culture. The newspaper articles include interviews with Katherine about Chinese cooking, cuisine, and traditions. Of particular note is an issue of the Korean magazine "Yeowon," which features articles about Baltimore, Governor Harry Hughes, and the Baltimore Asian Trade Council in Korean. A translation of the article, “I love Baltimore” by the Baltimore Asian Trade Council is also included.

Title
Guide to the Katherine M. Chin collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Lara Westwood
Date
2014-02
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Revision Statements

  • 2020-04-27: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Sandra Glascock

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750