This video gives you an insider view of compact shelves, a common sight in collections storage at many museums, including JANM. Built on tracks, these rolling shelves, controlled by a fixed rotary handle, maximize storage space in our two-story, 7,200 square foot artifact storage facility.

Follow along with this video to learn how to fold an origami frog. All you’ll need is a piece of 8.5" x 4.25" paper. If you make really nice creases, it just might hop!

9066 to 9/11 focuses on the parallels between the post-September 11 treatment of Arab Americans and Muslims in this country with the actions against Japanese Americans after the start of World War II. Revealing striking similarities, the film addresses the mistreatment of immigrants in the United States, as well as the lack of historical memory by lawmakers and the public about America’s use of concentration camps during World War II.

People often ask: how does JANM travel delicate and fragile artifacts from the WWII incarceration experience around the country? In this short video, we show how we built the crates for the traveling pop-up display of Contested Histories. Art and Artifacts from the Allen Hendershott Eaton Collection.

Watch another episode of Unboxed as JANM’s Collections department provides us a glimpse into the conservation process of one of its most cherished artifacts: Bob Uragami’s Boy Scout drum. Learn of the drum’s storied history, and uncover some of the work that happens behind-the-scenes to care for the unique artifact.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, JANM presented Under a Mushroom Cloud: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the Atomic Bomb, organized in partnership with the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Clement Hanami, JANM VP of Exhibitions, talks about an origami crane folded by Sadako Sasaki, one of the artifacts included in the exhibition.

Nisei Week reflects the bicultural character of its founders. It has a parade that features ondo dancers (which explains why the parade with such a physically short route takes the hours to complete). It has a queen pageant where contestants wear kimono. Like its founders, Nisei Week’s resiliency is notable, having survived the World War II forced removal (including the abandonment of Little Tokyo) and changing tastes and attitudes. Learn more about Nisei Week in this 2014 article from Discover Nikkei’s archives.

For many currently incarcerated individuals, letters are one of the only means of communication with loved ones or supporters. These letters become messages of solidarity, hope, and future liberation. In this session, we will be writing to those currently incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison and reflecting on what freedom for all truly means in this time.

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This week’s featured item: A Life Made By Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa

Ruth Asawa was an influential and award-winning sculptor and a devoted activist who advocated tirelessly for arts education. This lushly illustrated book brings Asawa’s creative journey to life, detailing the influence of her childhood in a farming family, and her education at Black Mountain College where she pursued an experimental course of education with leading avant-garde artists and thinkers such as Anni and Josef Albers, Buckminster Fuller, Merce Cunningham, and Robert Rauschenberg.

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The late artist Ruth Asawa, whose work and life have been documented by JANM, was recognized by the United States Postal Service (USPS) by presenting her distinctive wire sculptures on a series of Forever stamps.

A special virtual unveiling ceremony was presented on August 13, and featured JANM Trustee and Chair Emeritus, George Takei; Asawa’s son, Paul Lanier; Sharon Owens, Vice President, USPS; and, Jonathan Laib, Director, David Zwirner Gallery.

Interested individuals may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800.782.6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.