Stories of Japanese American Girlhood

During WWII, the role of women in society changed drastically, but how did this look for the Japanese American community? The forced eviction and confinement of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor in 1941 was one of the worst civil rights violations of the twentieth century, and the repercussions were numerous. As a result of the forced removal, there was a Japanese American community established in the Twin Cities.

Join us for a panel conversation that focuses on Japanese American experiences of girlhood during this significant moment in history. Dr. Ka Wong will provide historical context around the WWII incarceration and relocation/resettlement to the Twin Cities, and what the Twin Cities Japanese American community looked like between mid-1940s-1960s, followed by the oral histories of Sally Sudo and Anna Tanaka Murakami. Continued conversation and reception in the Heffelfinger room following the talk.

Come for the Girlhood (It’s complicated) exhibit, then stay for the program! The talk starts at 2:00 pm in the 3M Auditorium. Book signing in the lobby following the talk. Registration is recommended, but not required.

This program is made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Host or Publisher Minnesota Historical Society