THE INDIAN AMERICAN DREAM: Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibit

The Tenderloin Museum is proud to partner with the Indo-American Hotelier Exhibition Funds Development Committee to establish the first permanent Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibition as part of our exciting expansion into a new 6,850-square-foot historic space.

 

The neon sign of the Indo-American owned Hartland Hotel in the Tenderloin

 

Honoring Pioneers of the Hospitality Industry

This groundbreaking exhibit will:

  • Chronicle the journey from Tenderloin SRO management to nationwide hospitality leadership

  • Highlight the entrepreneurial spirit that transformed the American hotel industry

  • Preserve first-person accounts and artifacts from pioneering Indian American hoteliers

  • Educate visitors on the economic and cultural impact of Indian American business innovation

Featuring "Surat to San Francisco"

One of the foundational texts for this exhibit will be insights from Mahendra K. Doshi's book "Surat to San Francisco: How the Patels from Gujarat Established the Hotel Business in California 1942-1960." Doshi spent eight years researching Patel hotel history, interviewing over 150 Patels and chronicling how three hospitality pioneers paved the way for many Indian-American immigrants from Gujarat to become influential figures in the hospitality industry. This work provides deep insights on the journey these hard-working immigrants embarked on to become entrepreneurs in San Francisco

Mahendra K. Doshi

The Indo-American Hotelier Exhibition Funds Development Committee

The Funds Development Committee, composed of esteemed leaders in the hotel industry, includes representatives from AAHOA and AHLA. The project is fully supported by AHLA and endorsed by the AAHOA and AAHOA Charitable Foundation Boards.

"To celebrate our remarkable achievements in realizing the American Dream and our well-earned leadership in the American Lodging Industry, we, the Indian American Hotelier Committee, in collaboration with the Tenderloin Museum, present this exhibit. It is dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and revering the pioneers and foundational figures of Indian American hotel history."

Major Supporter Benefits

Bronze Supporter ($1,001–$4,999)

  • Recognition on TLM's donor page

Silver Supporter ($5,000–$9,999)

  • Recognition on TLM's donor page with logo included

Gold Supporter ($10,000–$14,999)

  • Recognition on TLM's donor page with logo included

  • Invitation to an artist-curator preview event in the expanded gallery

Platinum Supporter ($15,000–$24,999)

  • Recognition on TLM's donor page with logo included

  • Invitation to an artist-curator preview event

  • Recognition on the permanent donor wall in the expanded gallery

Diamond Supporter ($25,000-$499,999)

  • Recognition on TLM's donor page with logo included

  • Invitation to an artist-curator preview event

  • Recognition on the permanent donor wall

  • Free use of the Museum space for a private event

Naming Rights Benefactor ($500,000+)

  • All Diamond Supporter benefits

  • Exclusive opportunity to name a gallery, exhibit, wing, or key space

  • Custom plaque prominently displayed in the dedicated space

OR support the Tenderloin Museum and the Indo-American Exhibition Project by becoming a member!

Supporting Our Full Expansion

Your contribution supports the entire Tenderloin Museum expansion, which includes:

  • The Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibition

  • Revitalization of our permanent exhibition

  • San Francisco's first neon sign gallery

  • A new contemporary art gallery

  • Enhanced space for events, shows, and screenings

View our complete expansion case →

Personalized Benefits & Tours

For personalized benefits discussions, questions about the expansion, or to schedule a private tour:

Contact our Executive Director: Katie Conry, kconry@tenderloinmuseum.org

The Tenderloin Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.