Presenter(s)
Clement Hanami, Vice President of Exhibitions and Art Director, Japanese American National Museum
Mitch Homma, President, Amache Alliance
Aura Newlin, Executive Director, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation
Moderator
Patricia Wakida, Topaz Board Member, Topaz Museum
Learning Format: Conversation
The Japanese American WWII incarceration experience is a cautionary tale of an ugly chapter in American history. In a climate that encourages feel-good, unifying narratives, how do museums confront points of America’s dark past and integrate them into their exhibits and programs? How are community stories of injustice and tragedy essential to our country’s wellbeing? We’ll hear from a panel representing the Japanese American National Museum, the Topaz Museum, Heart Mountain Wyoming Interpretive Center, and the Amache Museum, then open up the floor to participants who face similar challenges in their own museums.