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KATU, May 6, 2021

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO) is settling into its new, permanent home in Old Town. It’s the latest piece of the puzzle to revitalize Portland’s cultural center.

The museum’s virtual grand opening was held on May 6th. It’s a significant day because it’s when Portland’s large and vibrant Japantown disappeared in 1942.

On that day, all people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in repurposed animal stalls at the Portland Assembly Center. They were then put into concentration camps, like Minidoka in Idaho.

It is a dark history that many aren’t aware of, and that is something the people behind the museum want to change and build upon.