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The PBS series Our American Family looks at the ordinary families whose lives have made up the fabric of American life in the early 20th century. The newest episode will focus on the Furuta clan, who were pioneers in Orange County’s early farming community. The Furutas’ old farm and homestead, dating back to 1912, are still standing in modern-day Huntington Beach; known as Historic Wintersburg, it was named one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places of 2014 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

JANM is proud to host an advance screening of the one-hour documentary, which features five generations of oral histories, archival photographs, and interviews with Furuta family members. The show brings the Furutas’ progress in America to vivid life, beginning with the arrival of Charles Furuta in America in 1900.

Members of the Furuta family (Norman Furuta, Ann Yonemura, and Jean Yonemura Wing) will participate in a panel discussion following the screening, along with Our American Family producer Michael Nolan, and author Mary Urashima.

To learn more about Historic Wintersburg, visit their blog. An excellent book about Historic Wintersburg is available at the JANM Store. The book’s author, Mary Adams Urashima, has also written several wonderful articles for Discover Nikkei.