When we first embarked upon this project in 2005, one of our goals was to learn more about the Japanese American experience in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah so that we could share lesser-known parts of history with teachers and students. At the heart of the project is the idea that through these specific experiences, the broader American experience becomes clearer.

In fact, we often say that through this project, we are trying to "problematize history." By showing that history is relevant to the present and chock full of exceptions to what is written in textbooks, we hope to reach those who believe that history is boring.

So through this project, we hear a number of interesting and quirky stories related to these five states and beyond. These stories are about the past, about the present, and (perhaps some of the most inspiring are) about the future. When I hear these stories or read these articles, I get so excited that I tell other people; and they tell me that I should write them down.

With that, here you go!

Allyson Nakamoto, Project Director

One of the exciting features of the upcoming national conference is the Youth Expo, which will run from 1:00 pm on July 3 through noon on July 6. Stop by throughout the conference for the different activities, including an area where you can fold cranes with two girls who are coming to Denver all the way from Minnesota!

These two young people are aiming to engage communities to fold cranes in honor of all of the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during WWII. A photo of the two girls is attached, and a bio explaining their inspirations for undertaking this task is below.

Please be sure to stop by the 4th Floor's Youth Expo to meet them and help them accomplish their goal! Keep up the good work, Carly and Michelle!!!

The conference is just around the corner, with pre-registration closing on June 5. After June 5, registration will only be available on-site.

Click here to download the registration packet. Hotel information is available on page 14 of the reg packet, on the web, and also pasted below -- special room rates expire on June 9!

Click here to read about the new panels, new speakers, and new activities that have been recently added to the line-up.

Mary Grace just passed on a news tidbit about one of the Texan educators who has been writing and testing this project's curriculum for the past few years:

Mark H has just won an Excellence in Education award from Humanities, TX. I nominated him for it based on his work with this project plus the glimpses I got of his way of working with his classes and his relationship with his students, which is so clear in the video he made. Well deserved, I say!

This news really made my day. Congratulations, Mark!!!

A personal invitation from DU Professor Bonnie Clark:

During World War II, the University of Denver (DU) opened its doors to Japanese American students, beginning a proud tradition that continues today. This tradition will be celebrated on July 3, 2008 at the DU Museum of Anthropology at a dessert reception and open house. For details about the reception, information about the history of DU and Japanese American students, and a page specifically for Japanese American alumni of the University, please go to: http://portfolio.du.edu/amache and look for the section “A Historic Legacy: Amache and DU”

Especially in honor of Memorial Day and the many veteran tributes happening, wanted to share this info that pays tribute to a veteran from New Mexico. . .

The next time you're in Gallup, you might check out the new statue of Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura, Medal of Honor Recipient. See the attachment for more info. Thanks to John C for sending this along.

Also note that Mr. Miyamura will be speaking on July 4 at the national conference in Denver!

We are pleased to announce that there is (limited) scholarship money available to support Colorado educators and students to attend the national conference that will take place in Denver from July 3-6, 2008!

What is the purpose of this scholarship?
- Convening at the national conference will be scholars, community members, and history makers of the past and present. The National Museum and its donors and supporters in Colorado have created a scholarship fund to enable a greater number of students and educators from Colorado to attend the conference, which they feel will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We recently had the pleasure of working with a writer with U.S. News and World Report doing research for his May 8 article about camp site preservation. Good job, Justin, and hope to see you in Denver!

Japanese-Americans Fight to Preserve Wartime Internment Camps: As survivors of the camps age, their cause becomes more pressing
By Justin Ewers
Posted May 8, 2008

MANZANAR, CALIF—Ernie Takahashi knows his past is around here somewhere. "I think this is it," says Takahashi, 63, as he stumbles through the eastern California sagebrush, his shirt flapping in the high desert wind. He walks up to a small wooden post, pounded into the sun-blasted landscape on the edge of Death Valley. Stenciled into it are the words "Block 27."

The Historic Museum at Fort Missoula (Montana) is making great gains in preserving the World War II Detention Center!

Thanks to Diane S for passing this on this article from the Missoulian:

Clearing ‘dark air': Ritual cleanses Fort Missoula building's past
By CHELSI MOY of the Missoulian

Draped in a traditional Buddhist robe, Zen master Genki Takabayashi bowed his head on the porch of a building that some 65 years ago served as a place where hundreds of Japanese-American detainees were forced to prove their loyalty to this country.

If, like me, you've flown through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport but never had a chance to venture beyond the airport, you might be surprised to find out that Dallas and Fort Worth are two somewhat distant cities, with the airport and green prairie between them.

When we were in Fort Worth on April 30, we were very lucky to have museum members and supporters from both Fort Worth AND Dallas join us for a reception hosted by Sylvia K., Anna McF., and Elaine Y. We were especially grateful to get so many in attendance, despite it being a Wednesday night and also because the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth's 2008 Awards Dinner and Silent Auction is happening on May 12.

It was also nice to