(Courtesy of the Cambodian Association of Illinois)
Only a dozen people survived this infamous Cambodian prison, which is pictured in the exhibit.
Only a dozen people survived this infamous Cambodian prison, which is pictured in the exhibit.
Father and son talk of family's escape in early days
Listen to this Story
By Lynette Kalsnes | Sep. 21, 2011
A new exhibit at the Cambodian Association of Illinois on Chicago’s North Side tells the story of a genocide. “Remembering the Killing Fields” uses artifacts and oral histories from Cambodians now living in Illinois who survived the Khmer Rouge. Survivors here are concerned people still don’t know about the genocide that killed two million people.
Master musician Bun San fled along with his son, Soung San, and their family.
Soung San said his family was lucky; they got out in 1975, when the border was still open. The Khmer Rouge hadn't closed it down yet. He said it closed like a cage not long after.
During the communists' rule from 1975 to 1979, people died from forced labor, starvation, disease and torture. The Khmer Rouge murdered many people, targeting the military, intellectuals, doctors, teachers and artists.
The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends by appointment. Admission is free. The Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial is at 2831 W. Lawrence Ave.
The museum encourages visitors to make reservations for the exhibit by calling (773) 980-4654 or by e-mailing anneth@cambodian-association.org.
NOTE: Soung San performed the music played in this story. Anneth Houy from the Cambodian Association translated for Bun San.
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