Who We Are
The Chinese & American Friendship Association of Maine (CAFAM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes friendship between Chinese Americans, non-Chinese Americans, and Chinese people of all nationalities.
CAFAM was founded in 1988 by a small group of dedicated individuals who believed in the importance of promoting cultural exchanges, preserving Chinese culture, and holding annual celebrations and events.
We invite anyone with an interest in China to become a member.
What We Do
CAFAM provides forums and outreach to promote awareness of and appreciation for Chinese culture. We promote friendship between non-Chinese Americans, Chinese-Americans, and Chinese people, whether from the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, or elsewhere.
We sponsor activities each year, including a Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival Celebration, a Lunar New Year Celebration, potlucks, film screenings, and other events. We also support the Maine Historical Society in building a Chinese in Maine archive, collaborates with other local organizations, and promotes educational outreach.
CAFAM Board Officers
- Bob Poole – President
- Gary Libby – Treasurer
- Barry Jackson – Secretary
Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month (except June, July, and August), at 6:30pm. Feel free to send us an email for board meeting updates!
Website & emails managed by Bri Hodgkins. Have questions? Contact us.
From The Members
“With CAFAM’s help, I have begun placing historical markers on buildings in Portland which have connections to the Chinese community. With financial assistance from the Maine Humanities Council, CAFAM has made professionally framed and matted copies of photographs in the Maine Chinese Archive and placed them on display in local Chinese restaurants to bring them to the attention of the wider community.” Continue Reading Gary W. Libby, Current CAFAM Treasurer
“In 1988 I was a professor at USM, teaching China and Asia-related history courses. So, back in Maine, in 1988 when two gentlemen approached me about being a part of a new friendship organization, I could not say no. Arthur Clark, a retired engineer, and Husen Tu, an IBM employee whose family was from Taiwan, pushed the project forward. A dinner of interested people was convened at the old Hu Shang restaurant. My wife Sherry attended in my place, as I was away. On that on that most auspicious day (8-8-88) CAFAM was born. Continue Reading – Craig Dietrich, Former CAFAM President
Chinese American Friendship Association of Maine 