Come join us for the official opening of Contested Histories at the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center in the Presidio. Purchase and reserve your bento lunches to eat while taking in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and then join us for a presentation and gallery walkthrough with curator Clement Hanami.

Schedule

11:30AM-12:00PM - Optional bento lunch

12:00PM-12:45PM - Contested Histories Presentation with curator Clement Hanami

12:45PM-1:15PM - Contested Histories Exhibit Walkthrough with curator Clement Hanami

About this Exhibition

During World War II, Japanese Americans incarcerated in America’s concentration camps demonstrated their resilience, ingenuity, and creativity, from crafting necessities like furniture and tools to creating works of art. In 2015, thanks to the efforts of community organizations, leaders, and activists, like the Earle K. & Katherine F. (Muto) Moore Foundation, the Japanese American History: Not For Sale Facebook page, the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, and actor George Takei, JANM was entrusted with the safekeeping of the Eaton Collection, an important collection of some 400 items made by Japanese American incarcerees.

People around the United States have since helped JANM fill in the gaps in the historical record by identifying makers and telling the stories of artifacts from the collection as it toured the country. Now the exhibition, enhanced with these new findings, returns to JANM, where many of the recently restored artworks are on view for the first time.

Explore the collection that sparked national protest, decisive action, and multigenerational conversations within and beyond the Japanese American community.

Cover Image Credit

Estelle Ishigo, Title unknown, Oil on canvas, Japanese American National Museum, Allen Hendershott Eaton Collection (2015.100.16)

Contested Histories Exhibit Opening Talk & Tour at MISHLC