Stephanie Drenka, Writer and Co-Founder of Dallas Asian American Historical Society, Dallas, Texas

Stephanie Drenka is a Korean adoptee writer and co-founder of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society, whose mission is to research, preserve, and amplify the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas area. She previously served as communications director for Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, part of a national 14-place initiative by The W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She also founded VISIBLE Magazine, an online publication that actively privileges the work of those whose voices have been historically excluded from traditional media outlets. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from DePaul University, with minors in Asian American Studies and Women’s Studies.

What led you to your field?

My interest in Asian American history began in college when I was a student at DePaul University in Chicago, minoring in Asian American Studies. It was a history I was deprived of learning, having grown up in Southlake, Texas. Although my career took a more marketing-focused path, I ended up as the communications director for an organization called Dallas Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation, an initiative of the Kellogg Foundation. The framework began with narrative change and a guiding principle to create a radically inclusive community and achieve racial equity: “There must be an accurate recounting of history, both local and national.” It became my responsibility to tell untold narratives in Dallas, particularly from historically excluded communities of color. 

With rising reports of anti-Asian hate incidents, particularly after the Atlanta shootings where a shooter murdered six women of Asian descent, I realized how few people were informed about Asian American history in general, let alone Asian American History in Dallas/Fort Worth. After searching in vain for other historical organizations focused on Asian Americans in the area, I decided to start my own. 

How does what you do relate to historic preservation?

Our mission at the Dallas Asian American Historical Society is to research, preserve, and amplify the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas area. We are essentially working to preserve the contributions of the Asian American community here and uncover the history that has been forgotten or not yet discovered. 

Why do you think historic preservation matters?

As a transracial Korean American adoptee, I have felt the impact of being removed from my history and origin. History helps place us in the context of the world, understand what events led to our existence, and find our purpose. Many of us are working toward goals we may not see in our lifetime. Preserving history gives future generations a head start. 

What courses do you recommend for students interested in this field?

I think history is most vital when paired with interdisciplinary education. I recommend students supplement their history classes with creative writing, literature, the arts, and technology. Combining history with such subjects allows students to learn the future of preservation, concurrently innovating the field.

Do you have a favorite preservation project?  What about it made it special?

A few years ago, sparked by fears of the Trump Administration’s growing anti-immigrant sentiment and policy changes, I decided to digitize my adoption and citizenship paperwork. During the process, I discovered that my adoptive parents had kept artifacts like the airplane ticket for my flight from Korea to the United States and documents from the adoption agency I had never read. Overseas Korean adoption is an under-researched demographic, despite many Korean adoptees living in the United States. I realized that my collection of adoption-related artifacts was historically significant. It was unique because it was so personal. I succeeded in preserving sentimental items like handwritten letters from loved ones who have passed away. 

Can you tell us what you are working on right now?

We have started adding items we have preserved to an online catalog. Our digital collections provide public access to a growing body of historical photographs and artifacts from the Asian American community in North Texas. We offer community events where members can bring documents and pictures to be preserved/digitized. Additionally, we are producing two documentary web series projects to capture the oral histories of Asian Americans in the community.

How do you think the national historic preservation programs help your community?

National historic preservation programs help model what is possible for our community and understand local history in the broader context. Sometimes people do not realize that things that have happened in larger American history also occurred here in North Texas, such as Japanese incarceration, boycotts of Korean-owned businesses following the L.A. Riots, and more. It is essential to be able to make the connections.

Do you have advice for novice preservationists?

Everyone was a beginner once. Do not let inexperience or imposter syndrome keep you from starting the journey. Ask for help. I am continually amazed by the kindness of strangers or acquaintances willing to support me if they can. 

The ACHP’s mission is “preserving America’s heritage;” can you give us an example of how your community is preserving its heritage?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines heritage as “something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor.” We are preserving our heritage, not just through the technical process of digitizing and filming records related to the lives of Asian Americans here; we are cultivating a community of storytellers. We show the Asian American population how critical their experiences are to American history and equip them with the tools to join in the preservation efforts. 

How has your communications career helped you become aware of areas of opportunity in preservation for the AAPI community?

With a background in Internet marketing and communications, representation is an issue that is frequently top of mind. Media sectors like film, television, books, and pop culture often underrepresent Asian Americans. A lot of it can be attributed to a lack of public knowledge about our history—even within our community. 

How does communications relate to historic preservation?

One of my civil rights activist heroes, Grace Lee Boggs, said, “History is not the past. It is the stories we tell about the past.” I see myself as a storyteller first, and a historian second. Communicating historical information in an accessible, exciting way and reaching the audiences who need it most should be the ultimate goal of historic preservation. Communication helps people better understand why preservation matters. And history also helps people understand why they matter.

Read more Q&A stories about the Preservationists in Your Neighborhood!