The San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, in strategic partnership with the Sikh American History Project, has announced the hiring of Dr. Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, made possible with grant funding from the Mellon Foundation. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the preservation, study, and public presentation of Sikh American history.
The Mellon Foundation’s investment in the Sikh American History Project reaffirms its long-standing commitment to advancing the humanities and supporting the preservation of underrepresented histories. Through this support, the Sikh American History Project is positioned to expand its mission to unearth, preserve, and promote the history of Sikhs in the United States while building sustainable infrastructure for long-term impact.
As part of this partnership, the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum will serve as a strategic incubator for the Sikh American History Project. Housed within the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, Dr. Bainiwal will lead the development and growth of the Sikh American History Project while also being supported in his professional development as a leader, organizer, scholar, and humanities administrator. This model reflects a shared commitment to capacity-building, institutional collaboration, and community-centered historical stewardship.
“Stockton and San Joaquin County occupy a central place in Sikh American history,” said Dr. Bainiwal. “With the first gurdwara in the United States established in Stockton in 1912, this region is not only historically significant but uniquely positioned to serve as the foundation for a national organization dedicated to Sikh American history. By investing in leadership, infrastructure, and collaboration, we are laying the groundwork for a national effort rooted in community and scholarship. This partnership represents a powerful alignment of place, purpose, and people.”
The partnership between the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum and the Sikh American History Project recognizes Stockton as a critical historical and geographic anchor for Sikh American life in the United States. From early Punjabi migration and agricultural labor to the establishment of religious, cultural, and political institutions, San Joaquin County has long been at the heart of Sikh American community formation and resilience.
Dr. Bainiwal brings extensive experience in historic preservation, community education, and public history. In his role, he will work to develop programming, archives, exhibitions, and educational initiatives that center Sikh voices and lived experiences, ensuring that Sikh American history is preserved with integrity, care, and community accountability.
County officials note that, through this effort, the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, the Sikh American History Project, and the Mellon Foundation are setting a precedent for how community-centered history can be responsibly stewarded, publicly engaged, and institutionally supported.
The San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum highlights the rich heritage of the region, from the Miwok and Yokuts Indians through Charles Weber (founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area) and the development of modern agriculture. The Museum has eight exhibit buildings and four historic buildings. It is home to the very popular Valley Days, an award-winning living history educational program for third, fourth and fifth graders. The 18-acre grounds at 11793 Micke Grove Road, Lodi, include the Sunshine Trail living exhibition of native habitats and the Delta Water Path.
