The Washington D.C. Taiwan Culture Center was established by Taiwanese Americans in the Greater Washington D.C. area. It is located in the suburbs of Washington D.C. in Rockville, Maryland, near the Shady Grove Metro station. Founded in 2003 and officially registered with the Maryland state government, it is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)).

Brief history of establishment:

The Washington D.C. area is the political center of the United States and also a place where people from around the world pay close attention. The establishment of the Washington D.C. Taiwan Culture Center not only effectively introduces Taiwan to American society and improves the welfare of Taiwanese people in the United States, but also helps to maintain and promote Taiwan's international status. Especially for Taiwanese people and Taiwanese associations in the Washington D.C. area, having their own fixed venue can facilitate their various activities. The Washington D.C. Taiwanese Association of America (TAAGWC.org) resolved to establish a preparatory committee for the Taiwan Culture Center in late 1994. In March 2000, the Taiwan Culture Center was officially established as an independent non-profit tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

Facilities:

In December 2003, the Washington D.C. Taiwan Culture Center purchased its current location (7509 Needwood Road, Derwood, MD 20855), which occupies 1.5 acres and only has a single elegant house for small gatherings. It has a library, office, meeting room, and lounge. The Board of Directors of the Washington D.C. Taiwan Culture Center plans to continue fundraising and hopes to raise sufficient funds in the short term to expand its existing facilities to meet the needs of regular and special gatherings of Taiwanese Americans in the Washington D.C. area.

Activities:

Over the years, the Taiwan Culture Center has held numerous exciting and meaningful activities, including the annual culture center banquet, dozens of lectures and seminars on culture, economics, humanities, investment, law, taxation, education, health held jointly with the North American Taiwanese Medical Association (NATMA) to provide free medical consultations to the community, and Taiwan Film Appreciation Night.

Since 2005, the Taiwan Culture Center has taken over the Taiwanese American Community Scholarship Award (TACSA) and invites all graduating high school seniors (regardless of ethnicity) to apply. As of this year, more than 160 high school graduates have received awards. Since 2009, it has also organized the Janet Chang Memorial Scholarship Award (JCMSA) for Taiwanese American medical school students (first year and second year).

To coincide with Taiwanese American Heritage Week in May, a refined and high-level "Taiwan Night" concert is held annually in May.

The Taiwanese American Community Scholarship Award ceremony is held during the annual "Taiwan Night" concert. Award winners, their family and friends, and high school officials are invited to attend the awards ceremony and concert.

Open House is held annually in April & September, sometimes in conjunction with the Washington DC Taiwanese Association's Mid-Autumn Festival.

Sponsor various mainstream activities that enhance Taiwanese-American culture and visibility.

Organize, sponsor, and provide venues for various cultural events that align with the mission of the culture center.

Significant events over the years:

In September 1994, the Board of Directors of the Washington DC Taiwanese Association appointed former president Dr. Huang Tailang and several enthusiastic members to establish the Taiwan Center Planning Committee.

In November 1999, the Planning Committee applied for a non-profit organization under the name "Taiwan Culture Center," and obtained non-profit organization status in March of the following year. The Taiwan Culture Center was officially established on March 9, 2000.

In December 2003, the current location of the center was purchased. After minor modifications, it was officially opened on January 10, 2004 (First Open House).

In 2008, the public service zoning change was completed, making it legal for the community to use the center.

In 2016, the center began the design and application for a use change for expansion.

The Taiwan Culture Center extends its heartfelt thanks to the support of its fellow Taiwanese, and also thanks the countless young and excellent Taiwanese musicians who have assisted in the "Taiwan Night" concert over the years. Although the expansion of the center is a difficult project, it is very much meaningful. We sincerely hope that Taiwanese people with passion and love for Taiwan can come together to participate, contribute money (your donations are tax-deductible), and lend their strength. If you would like to learn more about the Taiwan Culture Center's building project or make a donation to the expansion of the center, please contact Chairman Dr. Huang, Tailang (301-332-5908).