As a child, Peter Ng often watched dragon boats as they sped by Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau island. He was filled with awe and envy.

“But I was not allowed to join a team because I was too young. I always wanted to,” Ng told the Sampan recently.

Now, his love of the races and dream of taking part in them has led to a major personal success: He founded the newly opened Dragon Boat Museum in Quincy – the first and only museum of its kind in the United States. Located at 1229 Hancock St. — about a 5-minute walk from Quincy Center — the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of dragon boat racing and the global celebration of this tradition.
From Sky to River
After finishing high school, Ng joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he made history by becoming the first Asian American to pursue a career as an air traffic controller. Ng later rose through the ranks to become the director of communications for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he dedicated 41 years of service to the federal government. Ng has since been known in the local community for his work as a community leader, cultural education advocate and artist ­— whose works are often featured on special editions of the Sampan.

Peter Ng’s journey into the world of participating into dragon boat racing began when he and his wife joined Wellness Warriors, Massachusetts’ first dragon boat team for cancer survivors. Ng took an active role in repairing the team’s boat and supporting the organization for many years. His dedication helped build community and promote healing through the shared spirit of dragon boat racing.
He founded BrushMagic Kids, a nonprofit program that offers scholarships for young people and supports art education. His passion for culture and community led him to open the Dragon Boat Museum, which took five months to renovate. His goal is to help the next generation connect with the rich history of dragon boat racing, but for him, the museum is more than just a cultural exhibit — it’s a community center. He welcomes dragon boat teams, nonprofit groups, young artists, and local communities to use the space for meetings, classes, events, and celebrations.
“I just hope I can pass on my knowledge to the young and give back to society,” Ng said.

What to Explore
When you step inside the museum, the first thing you’ll notice is a painting of the Princess of Wales at a dragon boat race, highlighting that is a global sport. Surrounding it are images from races featuring teams across the United States. But take a closer look, they’re not photographs; they’re vibrant paintings by Ng. Many teams sent him their race photos, which he turned into works of art that now decorate the walls.
In the center of the museum stands a stunning, custom-made dragon boat by Ohana New England, beautifully painted with vivid colors, complete with a dragon’s head, tail, paddles, and a special design flag. Additionally, there are videos and audio stories that highlight local racers and detail how dragon boat racing made its way to America, where it continues to inspire new generations. What began as a traditional Chinese ritual over 2,000 years ago has evolved into an international sport, originating in ancient China as a way to honor Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and statesman.
You’ll also see Ng’s creative spirit reflected throughout the museum. His calligraphy, paintings, and specially designed merchandise—such as magnets, mugs, clothing, and tote bags, are displayed and available for visitors. More artworks will be added soon, as Ng plans to contribute additional pieces to the collection.
More at dragonboatmuseum.org.