Powell, WY (April 21, 2016) — Each year hundreds of visitors make a ‘pilgrimage’ to the Heart Mountain National Historic Site, where 14,000 Japanese Americans – two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens – were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. The journey is taken by former incarcerees, their descendants, friends, and the public who seek to understand this dark and poignant history and its impact on us today.
The 2016 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage, taking place July 29-30, will be an historic event, marking five years since the opening of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. In that time, the annual Pilgrimage at Heart Mountain has grown into a much anticipated event. It has become known for its powerful speakers, innovative programming, and experiential opportunities which connect former incarcerees with the public.
“As our most important event, the annual pilgrimage serves our mission by educating the public about the history of Japanese American confinement and connecting them with former incarcerees at this important National Historic Site,” said Brian Liesinger, executive director of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. “This 5th Anniversary Pilgrimage promises to be an especially memorable event for all in attendance.”
The Pilgrimage will begin in Cody, Wyoming on Friday, July 29. A silent auction of Japanese artwork will be a new addition this year. Following the auction, the evening banquet at the Holiday Inn will include images of Heart Mountain and its progress through the year. The night will wrap up with a dessert reception.
The events on Saturday July 30 at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center will be punctuated by Keynote Speaker, Luis Valdez. Valdez is a renowned playwright and director best known for the films “La Bamba” and “Zoot Suit.” His most recent stage production, “Valley of the Heart,” is set during World War II, and travels from California to Heart Mountain, Wyoming. The story follows two immigrant farming families in California – one Japanese American, one Mexican American. It has played to sold-out audiences on the West Coast.
Other guest speakers include U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson (ret.) and Secretary of Commerce and Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta (ret.). The two met at the “Heart Mountain Relocation Center” when they were just 10 years old. Simpson’s Boy Scout troop visited Heart Mountain, where he met Mineta, who was confined there with his parents. Their story of friendship in the midst of war, fear, and injustice is a powerful one. Both men will speak about their experiences at this year’s Pilgrimage.
Saturday’s programming will also include the presentation of a Minecraft project based on Heart Mountain. Special exhibitions showcasing artwork inspired by Heart Mountain, and displays exploring rarely seen artifacts from the Heart Mountain collection, will be featured in the Interpretive Center as well.
“The variety of programming available at this year’s Pilgrimage provides dynamic and engaging experiences for visitors of all backgrounds and ages. It will be a coming together of old friends who endured a great injustice, but it also the perfect opportunity for a first introduction to the powerful history of Heart Mountain for newcomers,” Liesinger said. “We encourage everyone to come experience this moving event.”
Registration for the 5th Anniversary Heart Mountain Pilgrimage is open to the public now. The cost for participation in all the events, including dinner banquet, dessert reception, opening ceremony, special presentations and exhibits, is $140 for non-members and $115 for members 12 and older, $50 for children aged 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Attendees can register online atheartmountain.org/pilgrimage.html or by calling (307) 754-8000.
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center is located between Cody and Powell, WY, on Highway 14A. It is open in the winter Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and daily in the summer with the same hours. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and students, members and children under 12 are free. For more information please call (307) 754-8000 or visit www.HeartMountain.org.
