Wasatch Front North JACL Hosts Successful Day of Remembrance and Brigham City Museum Unveils New Exhibit: Uncovering the Journey: Japanese American Pioneers in Box Elder County
Exhibition to be held February 15th- June 21st
February 19th, 2025, marked the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. This order led to the forced incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. In commemoration of this day, the Wasatch Front North JACL hosted a Day of Remembrance on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, in conjunction with the opening of Uncovering the Journey: Japanese American Pioneers in Box Elder County at Brigham City Museum of Art and History.
The event was marked by a significant address from William A. Harris, Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, who shared invaluable historical insights on the Japanese American Incarceration and the FDR Presidential Library and their shared histories. Floyd Mori, former National JACL President and JACL National Executive Director served as the emcee, delivering remarks from Jani Iwamoto, Honorary Consul of Japan in Salt Lake City. The gathering was further honored by the presence of several notable figures, including DJ Bott, Mayor of Brigham City; Sophia M. Dicaro, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget; Robert W. Bishop, Former Congressman; and Lee Perry, Box Elder County Commissioner. Their attendance added a strong layer of local support and recognition to this important event.
With 270 attendees, the Day of Remembrance was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of reflection, education, and community engagement. The Brigham City Museum extends its heartfelt thanks to the Wasatch Front North JACL for their commitment and effort in organizing this impactful gathering.
The exhibit, Uncovering the Journey: Japanese American Pioneers in Box Elder County highlights untold stories of Box Elder County’s Japanese American community. Discover stories of early agricultural settlers, local war heroes, and pioneering civic leaders. Engage with stories of family, culture, injustice, and resilience. Curated with ongoing input from the local community since 2022, this exhibit highlights the lasting impact of Japanese Americans on Box Elder County’s culture and history.
The exhibit will be at the museum until June 21st, 2025, and it is one you will not want to miss. Field trips and group tours are available with advance notice. Visit museum.bcutah.gov or give the museum a call to schedule a tour.
There will be several special events held in connection with this exhibition. There will be workshops on traditional activities like origami, a guest speaker who was incarcerated at Topaz, and more events will be announced soon. Make sure to watch the museum’s website and social media pages for event announcements.
The museum would like to thank Brigham City Corporation, Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Utah Legislature, George Yamaoka in memory of Aki Yamaoka, Norio Uyematsu, Patti Hirahara, and Ichimatsu and Yae (Sato) Nisogi Family for their contributions to this exhibit.
