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Helen Lew Lang – A Profile
b. 1926 Seattle, Washington
The daughter of Chinese immigrants from Canton, Helen Lang has always taken a keen interest in her heritage. She received her B.A. in Far Eastern Studies and Political Science at the University of Washington after taking a short break to serve as secretary to the Chief Chinese delegate to the United Nations in 1946. Her dream of developing a Chinese cultural center, inspired by visits to New York City's China Institute, culminated in the founding of Crane House, The Asia Institute, Inc. in 1987.
Calvin and Helen Lang moved to Louisville In 1959 [when Calvin Lang joined the University of Louisville Medical School faculty] with their four children - Beverly, Kathy, David and Paul. When her children were in elementary school, Helen began showing Chinese artifacts and talking about traditions to their classes. She also began teaching Chinese cooking in her home and later served as a consultant to Louisville's chefs and culinary editors.
Helen served as President of the Crane House Board of Directors and Executive Director from 1987 until 1994. Since 1995 Helen has been Chairman of the Board. Though she is no longer involved in the daily operations, her enthusiasm for educating others about Asian culture is undimmed; her most recent achievement is to help initiate a Mandarin language program for preschoolers.