St Helena Chinatown and Cemetery

Please join us in making a difference. We are raising money to right a historical wrong--shabby treatment of Chinese immigrants who were the dominant labor force in Napa Valley in the 1800s. Many are buried in St. Helena Cemetery with no gravestones. Thanks to a grant from the City of St. Helena, a gravestone listing their names has been ordered, but the back side should have appropriate words of remembrance in Chinese letters. A ground penetrating radar study ensures the gravestone won't be on top of a body. Chinese Daoist priests will bless the site.

St. Helena and Calistoga had Chinatowns, now forgotten. We plan to plaques at both sites (see example), which will be dedicated. with ceremonies.

The cost of all the efforts totals almost $7,000, plus processing fees. Donations of any size will help and are tax-deductible via Napa County Historical Society Tax ID 94-2690901. Thanks in advance for supporting this cause, which means so much to our valley and our Asian neighbors!

Here are the estimated associated costs. Ground Penetrating Radar Study $1300

Chinese Cemetery Memorial-- Back of Stone Chinese lettering $2,693

Cemetery Memorial Dedication Ceremony for priests and lion dancers 1,000

St. Helena Chinatown plaque 400

St. Helena Chinatown plaque dedication 1000

Calistoga Chinatown Plaque 400

Calistoga Dedication 1,000

Total $6,793

We need to raise even more than this due to the 2.9% +30 cents transaction fee for every donation and Napa Historical Societies 10%.