2025 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage
July 24-26, 2025
General Registration: May 1 – June 30, 2025
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Eighty years ago, the unjust incarceration of over 14,000 Japanese Americans at Heart Mountain finally came to an end. Yet, the lessons of this dark chapter in history are more relevant than ever. Join us at the 2025 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage as we honor the stories of incarceration, uplift the voices of incarcerees and their descendants, and fortify our community’s strength.
This year’s Pilgrimage will be a powerful gathering, designed to inspire hope and resilience for future generations. Featured events include the premiere of Hello Maggie!, the stamping of the Ireichō, the debut of a compelling short film exploring cultural connections to Heart Mountain, multigenerational discussion groups, a transformative art healing workshop, and the ever-popular Sayonara Banquet.
Come be part of this unforgettable experience—because remembering the past is the key to shaping a just future.
Have questions or concerns? Please check out our Pilgrimage FAQs Page:
Highlights of this year’s Pilgrimage:
Ireichō Stamping and Tour
Heart Mountain is honored to host the Ireichō— the sacred book of names—at this year’s Pilgrimage. This powerful record contains the first comprehensive listing of over 125,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated in US Army, Department of Justice, Wartime Civil Control Administration, and War Relocation Authority camps. Want to take part in this historic moment? To stamp the book, you must reserve an appointment. Spots are limited, so sign up here! Learn more about this deeply significant project here and to see other locations of the tour, click here.**
**The Ireichō will be on display at the Heart Mountain site. If you have a scheduled appointment to stamp the Ireichō, please note that transportation to the Heart Mountain site is not guaranteed. While buses frequently transport attendees to the site, some appointment slots may overlap with other programming or times when buses are not available.
Cartooning with Willie Ito
Step into the world of animation magic! Join legendary retired Disney animator, Willie Ito, for an exclusive, hands-on drawing session where he’ll teach you how to sketch some of his most iconic cartoon characters. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just a fan of classic animation, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hello Maggie! Film Premiere
A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship and a Magpie’s Magic! Witness the world premiere of this animated film that will touch your heart and make you smile.
Sam Mihara: 51st NEH Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities
The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation is incredibly proud of former incarceree Sam Mihara for being honored as this year’s Jefferson Lecturer and for using his platform to shed light on the story of incarceration. He will be presenting his renowned lecture to audiences at this year’s Pilgrimage.
Established by the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1972, the lecture is the highest honor the federal government confers for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities. Mihara is the first Japanese American to give the lecture, a survivor of the WWII Heart Mountain incarceration camp, the oldest recipient of the honor at 91, and the only former rocket scientist. Delivering his lecture for only the second time, you won’t want to miss it at the site where it happened.
Multigenerational Discussion Groups
Small, intimate gatherings spark open dialogue, personal storytelling, and deep curiosity. These meaningful conversations create space for reflection, connection, and shared experiences across generations. Be sure to sign up when you register to secure your spot in a group.
Check out the Pilgrimage schedule overview below, and stay tuned for the full, detailed schedule here as we get closer to the big event!
Pilgrimage Schedule Overview:
Thursday, July 24th
Get ready for an action-packed day of discovery, creativity, and connection!
Start your morning and afternoon exploring the historic Heart Mountain site with guided tours of the iconic Root Cellar, Hospital Complex, and Memorial Park. Wander through the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center at your own pace and uncover powerful stories from the past.
For our younger attendees, the Mineta-Simpson Institute will be buzzing with hands-on children’s activities, including calligraphy, drawing Heart Mountain, fun coloring pages, interactive storybook time, and mastering Boy Scout/Girl Scout knot tying!
As the afternoon winds down, choose from a variety of engaging workshops! Whether you’re sketching away in Cartooning with Willie, exploring cutting-edge storytelling in Digital Remembrance: New Approaches for Nikkei Connection and Preservation, or diving into Heart Mountain’s newest publication, Images of America, there’s something for everyone.
In the evening, we honor the past with the Annual Survivor’s Meetup, a heartfelt gathering where former incarcerees can reconnect, reflect, and share their stories.
Then, it’s time to turn up the fun! Everyone is invited to the legendary Frank Emi Karaoke Night—a high-energy celebration named after civil rights activist and Heart Mountain Fair Play Committee leader, Frank Emi. Whether you’re a karaoke pro or a first-timer, grab the mic, sing your heart out, and bond with fellow attendees in an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie!
Friday, July 25th
The day kicks off at the Wyonona Thompson Auditorium with an exciting plenary session featuring the world premiere of Hello Maggie!—a beautifully animated film chronicling the incredible true story of Shig Yabu and his heartwarming bond with a magpie at Heart Mountain. Following the screening, dive into an exclusive panel discussion with the film’s lead animation director, Tony Tarantini, and legendary animator Willie Ito.
The morning continues with another inspiring film: Heart Mountain Voices: Connecting Communities with Digital Stories. This powerful short film brings together five students, Japanese American and Indigenous youth, to explore their shared heritage through the lens of digital storytelling. Witness how this cross-cultural collaboration bridges history, identity, and the deep connections we all share to the land.
In the afternoon, it’s time for meaningful conversations in the Multigenerational Discussion Groups—small, intimate gatherings designed to spark open dialogue, personal storytelling, and deep curiosity. Be sure to sign up when you register to ensure you’re placed in a group!
Afterward, for those looking to reflect and process the day’s emotions, join Dr. Midori Samson’s Art Healing Workshop, where creativity becomes a powerful tool for healing and connection.
To wrap up the day, discover how you can create a lasting legacy and help sustain the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation for generations to come. This insightful session, led by financial experts and enriched with heartfelt testimonials from board members and donors, will explore ways to make a meaningful impact on the future.
Get ready for a day of inspiration, storytelling, and community!
Saturday, July 26th
The day kicks off with an electrifying Opening Ceremony, featuring the powerful drumming and singing of Johnny Tim Yellowtail and family. Feel the energy as we honor tradition with a flag ceremony and the national anthem, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Morning adventures await! Explore the historic Heart Mountain site with guided tours of the barrack, memorial park, and hospital complex. Then, gather under the big tent for a delicious catered lunch buffet, where we’ll celebrate extraordinary individuals with the Compassionate Witness Award and the Douglas Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. As a moment of remembrance, Dr. Duncan Ryūken Williams will deliver a moving tribute to those who passed while incarcerated at camp.
The afternoon brings inspiration! Join us in the new Mineta-Simpson lecture space for an unforgettable presentation by former incarceree Sam Mihara, the 51st Jefferson Lecturer for the National Endowment for the Humanities. His storytelling and insights will leave a lasting impact.
Then, it’s time to celebrate! The evening kicks off with a lively cocktail reception, where you can sip, mingle, and place your bids in the silent auction. The night continues with the Sayonara Banquet, a final dinner shared with friends and family, filled with laughter, reflection, and community. And don’t forget—make sure to get your last bids in before the silent auction closes!
A weekend of history, heart, and celebration—this is one you won’t want to miss!
SATURDAY SITE TOURS:
Hospital
When it opened in 1942, the hospital complex on top of the hill could care for up to 150 patients. The hospital’s boiler house chimney is one of the most iconic structures of the former incarceration site. Explore the medical experiences of incarcerees at this original structure.
Memorial & Honor Roll
The Honor Roll lists all Heart Mountain incarcerees who served in the military during WWII (as well as WWI and the Korean War). After hearing about this structure, participants will have the opportunity to tour the Setsuko Saito Higuchi Memorial Walking Trail, which features images and facts about the original layout of the confinement site.
Barrack
Learn about life and camp experiences in the barrack setting. This original barrack building was brought back to Heart Mountain in 2015 and has been undergoing restoration work since then.
Sayonara Banquet:
After three days of sharing, learning, discussing, and exploring, enjoy a final evening of socializing by catching up with old friends and solidifying new friendships made throughout the event at a cocktail reception, the Sayonara Banquet, and a dessert buffet!
Silent Auction Donations:
We are collecting donations for the silent auction! Perhaps you have a treasure from Japan that you would like to pass on, frequent-flyer miles, a piece of artwork, or an experience to sponsor/offer—any of these items would be greatly appreciated in this year’s auction.
To donate an item, please email a photo and description of the item to Rebecca McKinley at rebecca@heartmountain.org. Don’t forget to include your contact information! Rebecca will get back to you with additional information. We would like to offer a broad selection of items to make the auction successful. Please help us carry on this worthwhile Pilgrimage tradition. We appreciate your continued support!
General Information:
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be given after the close of registration (July 1, 2025).
Archives & Collections Donations:
If you are considering bringing artifacts, documents or photographs from camp to the Pilgrimage for donation, please contact us beforehand at info@heartmountain.org or 307-754-8000
Travel Information:
Our host hotels in Cody are the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and Buffalo Bill Cabins. We have a discounted rate available at all of these locations.
Check out the map below to see the layout of this group of hotels:
(307-587-5555)
(307-587-5556)
(307-587-5544)
***If you plan to stay at any of the above hotels, please call them directly to make your booking and mention that you are attending the Heart Mountain Pilgrimage to take advantage of the discounted rate. If you book online, you will not be able to get the discount.
Please note: we have a block of rooms reserved until May 20 with these hotels. After that time, you may still be able to book a room, but we cannot guarantee availability. We recommend you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Cody, Wyoming has an airport (named Yellowstone Regional Airport—COD) that is served by United Airlines with connecting flights through Denver, CO. The next closest airport is in Billings, Montana, which is approximately 90 minutes away by car. If you’re flying through Billings, you will need to make arrangements to rent a car at that airport as there is no public transportation between Billings and Cody.
For more information regarding travel arrangements for getting to and around Cody and Powell, Wyoming, you can visit www.codyyellowstone.org.
Check out previous Heart Mountain Pilgrimages:
2024 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage
2023 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage
2022 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage
