Hmong Education Archives & Library is a repository for collecting and preserving Hmong materials, reflecting the history of our people. Founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, we document the story of Hmong communities locally and around the world.
Hmong Education Archives & Library (HEAL) serves as a vital cultural repository dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing materials that reflect the history, experiences, and contributions of Hmong communities in Minnesota and across the globe. Established as a nonprofit organization in February 1999, HEAL’s mission is to educate the public while safeguarding historical and cultural records created by and about Hmong people. Through its work, the organization ensures that the voices, stories, and identities of Hmong individuals are documented and accessible for future generations.
HEAL’s collections are both diverse and historically significant. They include a wide range of materials such as written documents, books, photographs, audiovisual recordings, brochures, newspapers, and periodicals. In addition, the archives house culturally meaningful artifacts like greeting cards, maps, traditional musical instruments, and paj ntaub (Hmong textile art). Together, these items form a rich and evolving record that illustrates the development, resilience, and cultural heritage of Hmong communities, particularly within Minnesota and beyond.
The organization was originally envisioned in 1999 as the Hmong National Archives, founded by dedicated community members who recognized the urgent need to preserve Hmong history. Due to limited funding and reliance on volunteers, the archives operated in multiple locations in Saint Paul over the years. As the organization gradually grew and evolved, it was renamed the Hmong Archives. With renewed leadership and a strengthened commitment to serving the community, it later adopted its current name, Hmong Education Archives & Library, to better reflect its expanded mission. Today, HEAL’s collections are headquartered at the Eastside Freedom Library in Saint Paul.
HEAL’s continued success is largely attributed to the dedication of long-time volunteers and community leaders. Dr. Brian Xiong, who has contributed over 24 years of service, and Marlin Heise, an early volunteer and archivist, played key roles in building and sustaining the archives’ extensive collections. Alongside additional board members: Kou Xiong, Song Vaj, and Cheng Va Vue, the organization remains committed to advancing its mission of education, preservation, research, and interpretation of Hmong historical materials.
As of today, HEAL’s impact is reflected in its remarkable growth and community engagement. The organization has recorded over 50,643 volunteer hours, welcomed 5,152 visitors, and accessioned 266,244 items contributed by 1,411 donors from around the world. Its collections are organized into 13 archival categories: archival boxes, audio recordings, books, cards, files, maps, newspapers, objects, periodicals, photographs, posters, videos, and works of art. Together, these resources represent one of the most comprehensive collections of Hmong history and culture, preserving a legacy that continues to inform and inspire future generations.
A dedicated community leader and volunteer, Dr. Xiong actively supports the Hmong Minnesota community as well as other diverse com-munities through his work with Hmong Education Archives & Library, Hmong Educational Resources Publisher, East Side Freedom Library, Cultural Diversity Resources, Native American Powwow, Women’s March, and Metropolitan Council—Equity Advisory Committee. A former Page, Wallin, and Cornwell scholar, he has taught at Minnesota State University–Mankato, St. Catherine University, Macalester College, and Inver Hills Community College, and has served as a collegewide chief diversity officer and director of affirmative action and equal opportunity.
Song earned a BA in Ethnic Studies, an MS in Multicultural and Ethnic Studies, and a Graduate Diversity Certificate in Designing and Implementing Cross-Cultural Training for K–12, higher education, human services, and community-based education from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Deeply passionate about Hmong culture, language, and history, Song is dedicated to preserving and teaching these traditions for the benefit of current youth and future generations.
Marlin earned a B.A. in Scandinavian Studies (1969) and began an M.L.S. program (1971–72) at the University of Minnesota. He then spent 25 years cataloging books at the Minnesota Historical Society (1973–1998). Marlin’s introduction to Hmong culture came through coffee breaks with Chong Toua Vang and collaboration with Chia Thao in 1980–81. This connection inspired multiple trips to Ban Vinai starting in 1982, and to Laos in 1998. That first trip to Laos led to his early retirement in June 1998, when he seized the chance to donate his Hmong collections for community use. Today, Marlin continues to serve as a volunteer archivist.
Kou earned his B.A. in Anthropology from Hamline University, and MBA in Technology Management from Herzing University. He interned at the Hmong Archives, later serving for many years as a board member of the Hmong Education Archives and Library. His lifelong passion is preserving Hmong materials to benefit students and future generations.
Cheng Va graduated from National American University with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology and two Bachelor of Science degrees – one in MIS and the other in Network Management. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Hmong Advancement and Growth Education. Within the Hmong community, he was tribe leader of Group 7 in the Vue Family of Minnesota from 2020 to 2021 and later served on the Hmong 18 Council of Minnesota as Council Vue, leading the History Department and the Family and Marriage Enrichment Committee from 2022-23.