The Japanese American National Museum

In the district called "Little Tokyo" in Los Angeles, you might spot George Takei, better known to many as Mr. Sulu from the popular Star Trek television series and movies. He is now chairman of the board of trustees for the Japanese American National Museum and is passionate about this chapter in American history. Here, in his own words, he shares that passion.

George Takei:
"The mission of this museum is to tell the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic story of America by sharing the Japanese American experience, so it is a very American museum in that sense. Many people when they hear 'Japanese American National Museum', they think of kabuki and tea ceremonies. No. It's an American museum. We tell the story of America. Its diversity and the strength of America derived from its diversity."

Funding for the museum came from many sources. George was among a number of people who gave their redress payment of $20,000 to help build the dream. Entire families provided donations of several hundred dollars and their names are etched on the museum's glass walls.

"It's so heartwarming to come to the Museum and see three generation families and grandpa says to the grandson, 'see, your name's up there right next to mine and grandpa bought that space for you'. The kid says 'gee, that's great grandpa, but where's daddy and mama's name?' 'Oh, it's right there, too.' So these families feel that this is their museum more than just the content. They have a sense of proprietorship."

"My father used to say that American democracy's strength and its weakness lies in the fact that it's a true people's democracy. It's as great as a people can be and it is as fallible as people. And that's why it's important for good people to be in the process, participating, holding the ideals of the system up high."

Opened in 1999, the Japanese American National Museum celebrates the contributions of Japanese Americans to culture, business, and art. With impressive collections of photographs, artifacts, and even home movies the Museum sheds light on how Americans of Japanese ancestry helped redefine and shape present-day America.

Among the most moving exhibits is an actual barracks from the Heart Mountain Camp in Wyoming, where thousands of Japanese Americans were held as "prisoners" during one of the darkest chapters in American history in World War II. George Takei was just a few years old when he and his family were interned at Tule Lake in northern California.

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, including a calendar of special events, go to www.janm.org