As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Northwest Room invites you to delve into the rich tapestry of stories within our collections. These materials offer a window into the vibrant history and contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in our area.
Begin your exploration with the Tacoma News Tribune Photo files, a visual chronicle of notable individuals, community activities, and significant events. These images not only document the past but also celebrate the diversity and resilience of these communities.
The Chapin Bowen Photographs, as well as the Marvin Boland Photographs, further enrich this narrative, presenting snapshots of life from the 1910s through the 1950s. These many photos offer a glimpse into the daily lives and cultural heritage of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals who have shaped our city’s history. Some of the images we would like to spotlight from these collections include: A Japanese American wedding party with their many guests posed on December 6, 1925, and this shot of Tacoma Buddhist Shoso-kwai, and this image of Rev. Jokatsu Yukawa, pastor of the Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church, in protective gear and preparing to engage in kendo
From Vintage to Virtual Reality
Experience the unique charm of the 1950s with the Richards Studio 3D slides, showcasing Japanese weddings in Tacoma in an extraordinary 3D slide format. These slides are more than just photographs; they are a portal to a bygone era, inviting you to ‘click’ and immerse yourself in full 3D splendor. But our journey doesn’t end in the past. Additionally, the Richards Studio collection documents a significant and somber chapter in history through images of Japanese American families at Union Station in Tacoma. These photographs capture the emotional moments as 418 residents waited to board trains bound for Pinedale Assembly Center near Fresno, California. This was part of the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. In total, 859 individuals of Japanese descent departed Tacoma on May 17th-18th, 1942, for internment in camps.
The Community Archive Center’s Event Collection brings you contemporary content reflecting the ongoing narrative of these communities.
We encourage you to visit the Tacoma Public Library’s Northwest Room and the ORCA database regularly to discover new materials and continue celebrating the rich heritage that weaves through the fabric of our city. This month, and every month, let’s honor the stories that connect us to our shared history and inspire our collective future.
