With a Vision and a Dream

With a Vision and a Dream: How the Japanese American Community built a National Museum

By Kenneth S. Hamamura.

In 1985 the Japanese American National Museum was incorporated as a private, nonprofit institution and opened to the public in May 1992.

The founding Nisei veterans and Little Tokyo business and community leaders wanted to preserve and tell the story of Americans of Japanese ancestry. They wanted future generations to remember the courage, heroism, and sacrifice of Nisei soldiers on the battlefields of World War II and the injustices of Executive Order 9066 and America’s concentration camps.

JANM is now a world-class institution that is recognized nationally and internationally. It is an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. And in 2010, JANM was the recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, America’s highest honor for museums. JANM is also one of America’s Cultural Treasures, an initiative that highlights 20 organizations for their vital contributions to the diversity of expression and excellence in America.

The Museum has accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time. The founding of JANM is a story of high hopes, remarkable achievements, frustration, and ultimate success. Like the saga of generations of Japanese Americans, it is a story of tenacity. But in the beginning, how was the Museum established? There was no wealthy benefactor so there was no money. There was no collection, no building, and the volunteer organizers didn’t know what was required to open and operate a functioning museum.

Paper: 136 pp. 

UNLESS FINAL SALE:
Full refunds (less shipping and handling) will be issued provided that the merchandise is in resalable condition upon receipt and the merchandise is returned within 30 days of the delivery date. Before returning any merchandise for a refund or exchange, please email us at museumstore@janm.org. We will provide you with information necessary for the return authorization.

JANM Store Return Policy

STANDARD DELIVERY: Standard deliveries within the continental U.S. are sent via UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail from Los Angeles, California. Delivery time varies depending on location and product availability but generally takes from 3-10 business days. You will be advised of a delay in shipping that exceeds 30 days.

JANM Store Shipping Policy

The JANM Store is now offering onsite pick-up for orders placed online. Just select “Pick Up in Store” at checkout. You will receive a notification email when your order is ready for pick-up.

Pick-up is by appointment only! Please reply with the date and approximate time you will be picking up your order.
We ask that you pick up your order no later than 10 days after it is ready. If your reply is not received within one week, or you cannot pick up your order within 10 days, your order may be canceled.

We DO NOT guarantee same-day pick-up. Orders received by 3:00 p.m. on a business day will usually be available for pick up by the next available pick-up date. When you arrive at the entrance to the Museum, please call the Store at 888.769.5559, and one of our Sales Associates will bring out your order.

Please allow an extra day for pick-ups on Thanksgiving weekend and the week before Christmas.

We require that you make an appointment for pick up. Appointment times are Tuesday-Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Days and hours available for a pick up (subject to change without prior notice).

We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Membership in JANM provides numerous benefits (*including 10% off eligible JANM Store purchases!), and supports our mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the experiences of Japanese Americans. Become a new Member, renew your Membership, or share JANM with a friend or loved one by giving a Gift Membership.

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