National Japanese American Historical Society

National Japanese American Historical Society. The National Japanese American Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Japanese Americans, with a focus on the experiences of those who lived in the United States during World War II, including the Internment of Japanese Americans. The organization was founded in 1980 by a group of individuals, including Frank Abe, Frank Chin, and Shirley Ann Higuchi, who were committed to preserving the history of the Japanese American community. The society's work is closely tied to that of other organizations, such as the Japanese American Citizens League and the Japanese American National Museum.

● History

The National Japanese American Historical Society was established in response to the lack of representation and documentation of Japanese American history in the United States. The organization's early work focused on collecting and preserving the stories and artifacts of Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, including those who were held at Manzanar, Tule Lake, and other War Relocation Authority camps. The society's founders drew inspiration from the work of historians such as Roger Daniels and Arthur Hansen, who had written extensively on the topic of Japanese American history. The organization has also worked closely with other institutions, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Smithsonian Institution.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The National Japanese American Historical Society's mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of Japanese American history and culture, with a focus on the experiences of those who lived in the United States during World War II. The organization's objectives include collecting and preserving historical artifacts and documents, providing educational programs and resources, and promoting research and scholarship on Japanese American history. The society's work is guided by the principles of social justice and human rights, and is informed by the experiences of other marginalized communities, including African Americans, Latinx Americans, and Native Americans. The organization has also been influenced by the work of scholars such as Michi Weglyn and Bill Hosokawa, who have written extensively on the topic of Japanese American history and culture.

● Programs_and_Services

The National Japanese American Historical Society offers a range of programs and services, including educational workshops and lectures, cultural events and exhibitions, and research and archival services. The organization also provides resources and support for Japanese American communities and individuals, including genealogy research and oral history interviews. The society has worked closely with other organizations, including the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, to promote the understanding and appreciation of Japanese American history and culture. The organization has also partnered with institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Washington to provide educational programs and resources.

● Collections_and_Archives

The National Japanese American Historical Society's collections and archives include a wide range of historical artifacts and documents, including photographs, letters, and diaries from Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II. The organization's collections also include artwork and literary works created by Japanese Americans during this period, as well as historical records and documents related to the Internment of Japanese Americans. The society's archives are housed at the Japanese American National Library and are available for research and study. The organization has also worked closely with other institutions, including the Huntington Library and the Bancroft Library, to collect and preserve historical materials related to Japanese American history.

● Notable_Projects_and_Initiatives

The National Japanese American Historical Society has undertaken a number of notable projects and initiatives, including the development of educational curricula and resources on Japanese American history, the creation of a Japanese American oral history archive, and the production of a documentary film on the Internment of Japanese Americans. The organization has also worked closely with other institutions, including the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior, to promote the preservation and interpretation of Japanese American historical sites and landmarks, such as Manzanar National Historic Site and Tule Lake National Monument. The society has also partnered with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Japanese American Bar Association to promote social justice and human rights.

● Leadership_and_Partnerships

The National Japanese American Historical Society is led by a board of directors that includes Japanese American community leaders and scholars, such as Don Nakanishi and Lane Hirabayashi. The organization has also established partnerships with a range of institutions and organizations, including the Japanese American National Museum, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the California State Library. The society's work is supported by a range of funders, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the California State Legislature, and the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center. The organization has also worked closely with other community organizations, including the Japanese American Citizens League and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, to promote the understanding and appreciation of Japanese American history and culture. Category:Japanese American organizations