Stockton Cambodian Oral History Project

The city of Stockton has the distinction of having the fifth-largest population of Cambodians in the nation and the second-largest in
California. Beginning in 1975, when Cambodia fell to the communist Khmer Rouge and as many as 2 million perished in the
killing fields, Cambodian refugees began relocating here in larger numbers. Once here, they forged a close community of a rich
and compelling people. The stories are horrifying and heartbreaking, but also full of heart and perseverance, a window into the
human spirit that fights against even the most unspeakable evil, not just to go on, but to triumph.
Beyond the killing fields.

Our mission with this project is not just to highlight the sufferings of their past but to show the Khmer people’s remarkable
strength, will and resilience – the affirmative, empowering, redemptive story of their history and their present here. A public domain
oral history project, as well as a documentary, exhibit of artifacts and photos and a complete multimedia website will help preserve
these personal narratives and allow them to be used for further education and research.

If you or anyone you know would like to take part or be interviewed or if you would like more
information, please contact Elizabeth Roberts at (209) 606-5253 or email
info@stocktoncambodianoralhistoryproject.com. Learn more about the project here: Our mission
*Cover photo of the Venerable Kong Tith at Stockton's Wat Dharmararam Buddhist Temple by Calixtro Romias
The Stockton Cambodian Oral History Project is supported in part by a grant from
the Stockton Arts Commission.
Follow us on our Facebook page for project updates
This project was made possible with support from Cal Humanities, an independent non-profit
state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information, visit
www.calhum.org.
Stockton Cambodian Oral History Project
Coming May 30:
"After The Rain, The Birds Sing"
Janet Leigh Theatre
University of the Pacific

Please join us in celebrating the phenomenal arts and
artists of the Stockton Cambodian community with a
Khmer arts mini festival and the premiere of “After the
Rain, the Birds Sing,” a short film showcasing the
Cambodian artistic traditions.
Reception starts at 6 p.m. at the adjacent Multicultural
Center with traditional Cambodian food favorites,
followed by the screening and performances at 7 p.m.
at Janet Leigh Theatre. Both are free and open to the
public. Click here to learn more.