***Please note that the final event of this series in March will not take place in person anymore, but will instead be taking place as a virtual Facebook Live event, in an effort to maintain current public health standards in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Winter Program Series returns with three brand new topics in 2020! Join us in January, February, and March and learn about the Nisei animator Bob Kuwahara, the story of the orphaned baby Virgie, and a highlight of some of the notable women of Heart Mountain. Read more about these programs below.
The programs are included with the admission fee for the interpretive center, or passes can be purchased for the entire season of presentations.
Bob Kuwahara, Issei Animator
January 18, 2020 at 1:00pm
Nothing improves a Saturday like watching some cartoons. In this program, we’ll discuss the life of artist Bob Kuwahara and screen a few of his best animated shorts. Prior to the war, Kuwahara worked for Walt Disney. After his career was derailed by his incarceration at Heart Mountain, Kuwahara joined the team at TerryToons Studios, where he created his most famous character: the “Japanese House Mouse” Hashimoto-San.
More info on our Facebook page HERE
The Ballad of Baby Virgie
February 29, 2020 at 1:00pm
In early 1943, a Heart Mountain guard discovered a new mother wandering near the camp’s fence, completely naked, in the dead of night. After the traumatized young woman was committed to a mental hospital, it fell to the camp’s Social Welfare Department to find a new home for her infant. It was just one of many cases taken on by the two women who headed up the department, Virgil Payne and Peggy Fujioka. This program will explore how this team tackled some of the most challenging and sensitive problems at Heart Mountain.
More info on our Facebook page HERE
Notable Women of Heart Mountain
March 28, 2020 at 1:00pm
In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting the lives of some of Heart Mountain’s most influential women. An unexpected side effect of institutionalized life in the camp was the breakdown of traditional gender roles. This program will celebrate the women who exploited that opportunity to become leaders in the community.
More info on our Facebook page HERE