Opening in October

A showcase of everyday life in present day Cambodia.
Aspects of rural and urban life
are illustrated through
artifacts and photographs.

Cambodia experienced...

The trauma of the Vietnam War was followed by nearly four years of genocide. The worst was the Khmer Rouge regime (1975 – 1979) when nearly 2 million people perished, about one quarter of the population. During the Khmer Rouge rule the fabric of social, political and
economic life was destroyed. All manner of specialized knowledge died when craftsmen, artists, scholars, doctors, and government employees were systematically murdered. All people, rural and urban, faced death from overwork and starvation.

Events

Click here for a schedule of events

Our story is one of renewal...

The exhibit illustrates the revival of crafts and institutions. Crafts and weaving are crucial for the reconstructed rural economy. Religious life is again vibrant. Buddhist temples have been repaired; men have returned to the monkhood. A postwar baby boom means the population of Cambodia is young.

Education is the hope for rising standards of living. While there is a revival of former ways of life, there is great change as Cambodian citizens enter the world of a globally linked economy.

About Us

During this year long celebration, there will be lectures, music and dance events, films and much more.

Watch for announcements from the Anthropology Museum at NIU, DeKalb and also from the Cambodian American Heritage Museum in Chicago.