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Helen Foster Snow Foundation
Helen Foster Snow Foundation
Bridging Distances and Differences Through Creative Collaboration
The mission of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation is to preserve, promote, and continue Helen's legacy of building bridges of understanding between China and the rest of the world. We facilitate people-to-people exchange through culture and education, business and trade, and sub-national relations.
Our vision is that by continuing Helen’s legacy, the relationship between the U.S. and China will become one of increased mutual respect and cooperation. We act like a teahouse where people with different viewpoints can have open and practical dialogue in a neutral and inviting environment. Through our activities and programs, we create mutually beneficial outcomes.
In Memoriam: Sheril Foster Bischoff
It is with profound sadness that the Helen Foster Snow Foundation announces the passing of Sheril Foster Bischoff, beloved niece of Helen Foster Snow, devoted guardian of her legacy, and advocate for preserving the history of US-China relations.
Born on October 2nd, 1936, Sheril shared a special bond with her aunt Helen. Their relationship connected Sheril deeply to Helen's life, work, and commitment to friendship across cultural and political divides.
Following Helen's death in 1997, Sheril dedicated herself to preserving her Aunt Helen's legacy. Alongside her husband, Garth Bischoff, she served as trustee of the Helen Foster Snow Library Trust, safeguarding Helen's writings, photographs, correspondence, manuscripts, and personal memorabilia. These materials preserve not only a family treasure but also an irreplaceable record of modern Chinese history and efforts to build bridges between China and the United States.
Through her determined efforts to protect, organize, and transfer the collection, Sheril helped secure its future at Brigham Young University's L. Tom Perry Library Special Collections. Her contributions have enabled researchers, students, historians, family members, and visitors from the United States and China to engage directly with Helen's words, photographs, and personal history.
Sheril's work ensured that Helen's story would remain accessible to future generations seeking to understand the US-China people-to-people relations and the enduring power of friendship across national and cultural boundaries. Her stewardship has kept alive Helen's legacy of courage, curiosity, compassion, and bridge building.
Sheril's passion for family history and Helen's remarkable life also inspired her nephews Adam Foster and Tyler Frank, to follow Helen's and Sheril's examples in building bridges between the US and China, by founding the Helen Foster Snow Foundation. Sheril's dedication has safeguarded a documentary record whose value will continue to grow.
The Helen Foster Snow Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to Sheril's family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. We share our deepest gratitude for her care, perseverance, and generosity. Though Sheril will be deeply missed, her work endures. She has ensured that Helen Foster Snow's spirit of bridge building will continue to inspire understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the peoples of the US and China.
We remember Sheril Foster Bischoff with affection, gratitude, and profound respect. May her devotion to Helen's memory and her legacy of stewardship continue to guide all who carry this important work forward.
Sheril's obituary and memorial service information:
Gung Ho Programs
HFS organizes exchange trips that bring students, educators, and community leaders together for meaningful cultural learning and direct people-to-people connection. These programs are designed to build understanding through shared experiences, real relationships, and collaboration between partners in the United States and China.
Recognition, Press and Media
Continuing a Legacy of U.S.-China Engagement
Adam Foster, Chairman of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation, attends the 2026 China Internet Media Forum, continuing the Foundation's mission of fostering dialogue and understanding between the United States and China.
Explore the latest news, stories, and updates from the Helen Foster Snow Foundation.
The Story Behind the Legacy
Learn about the remarkable life of Helen Foster Snow and her lasting impact on cultural understanding, international friendship, and educational exchange. Discover her journey and learn how her legacy continues to influence international understanding around the world.
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