KEARNEY – On Saturday the Trails and Rails Museum held a grand opening for an exhibit that not only examines the complicated history of Japanese Americans treatment during World War II but also explores the personal stories of Japanese Americans in Nebraska history.
The grand opening was for “Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II.” A Smithsonian traveling exhibit that examines the complicated history and impact of Executive Order 9066 that led to the incarceration of Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Embracing themes that are as relevant today as they were over 75 years ago, Righting a Wrong looks at immigration, prejudice, civil rights, heroism, and what it means to be an American.
In accompaniment, to the exhibit is also “Preserving a Legacy: Japanese Americans in Nebraska”, by Legacy of the Plains in Gering. Preserving a Legacy has brought forward stories of Japanese Americans who came to Nebraska to build a better life and their stories during WWII.
At the entrance attendees are welcomed by a grand curtain adorned by two great cranes. The curtain has been gifted to the martial arts club and Japanese educational organization for the Japanese Hall in Scottsbluff. It is one of the two curtains currently on display.
Another one of the artifacts on display were menus of the well-remembered Corral Café that many attendees were able to recall from their youth. The restaurant had been a Kearney community staple since the 1940’s. The restaurant was one of the first few to introduce Asian cuisine when Shizuo and Marianne Sakurada bought the business in 1967. Many of the dishes that could be remembered were Chop Suey, Chow Mein, and later introducing sukiyaki amongst other dishes.
Broc Anderson, Historian of Trails and Rails Museum, spoke that being able to bring this to the community is more than just an opportunity to learn, but also diversifying’s and helps us understand the past better.
In addition to the exhibit attendees also got to hear from those who were able to make the exhibit possible. Starting off the presentation was Broc Anderson followed by Jill Dolberg, interim Executive Director and CEO at History Nebraska. Afterwards, Vickie Schaepler, Coordinator of the Japanese Hall and History Project at the Legacy of the Plains Museum spoke to attendees about the work and impact these stories have had in Nebraska and beyond. Vickie has been a key component in creating “Preserving a Legacy.” Lastly, Mike Boyle the president of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing in Lincoln, spoke to the crowd, and talked about what it’s been like to be one of the first to provide support to the Japanese Hall and History Project in Gering.
Vickie shared it’s been amazing to have so many people show interest in their work in bringing forth these stories.
“It’s been so exciting for us to be able to show this history of my hometown. I have talked to more people who were so supportive of our project. I’ve given several talks and I’ve always had such great reception about preserving our history” said Vickie.
The exhibit will be up in the West Wing of the Family History Center at the Trails and Rails Museum until Dec. 22.
