Free Student Webinar: Japanese American Experiences in WWII

To commemorate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May, the Museum will be hosting a free student webinar in relation to our latest special exhibit: From Barbed Wire to Battlefields: Japanese American Experiences in WWII. During the program, students will learn about the forced incarceration of Japanese and Japanese Americans in remote camps for the duration of WWII, especially focused on the experiences of Nisei students who abruptly became prisoners at a young age.

Images from the 1944 Resume yearbook from Rohwer Center High School

Brian Komei Dempster

Students will have the opportunity to interact with curator Kim Guise, as she showcases some of her favorite artifacts from the exhibit.  Viewers will examine a camp high school yearbook and images of school, social and home life for the young Nisei prisoners.  They’ll also meet poet, professor and editor Brian Komei Dempster, who helps former camp prisoners record and compose their incarceration and resettlement stories. Dempster also uses this time period as creative inspiration, and just released his debut poetry anthology, Topaz, reflecting on his own family’s incarceration experiences.  He will share a selection of his poems, and the meaning behind these poignant pieces tied to his family’s history.

At the end of the program, the Museum and Dempster will introduce a poetry prompt for student viewers, to craft their own creative piece based on what they learned in the program. The theme of the prompt will be based upon Japanese Americans leaving behind prized family possessions before their forced removal, and the uncertainty and sadness of loss. Select student poems will be featured on the Museum’s blog!

Students will be able to ask questions of both presenters during the program. Teachers will receive curriculum materials after registration, including a lesson plan with a selection of stories from camp prisoners and Dempster’s poetry. Space is limited for the May 9^th program at 12:00PM CT, so register today!