IRENE NAKAGAWA NAMED NATIONAL MUSEUM 2010 TANIMURA OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER

The Japanese American National Museum held its 2010 Volunteer Recognition Awards event in early June in its Aratani Central Hall, highlighted by the presentation of its Miki Tanimura Outstanding Volunteer Award to Irene Nakagawa. The program also included Museum staff presented several other awards to volunteers as well as recognition for years of service.

The 2009 Miki Tanimura Outstanding Volunteer Award recipient Helen Yasuda made the presentation to Nakagawa, who was lauded for her long hours, willingness to help in all areas and devotion to the Museum. Kirby Tanimura, whose parents were killed in a plane accident almost 20 years ago, represented the family and spoke of the meaning of the award. Kirby was joined at the event by his sisters Teri, Lori, and Cheri and their families.

Other volunteers who received individual awards were Julia Murakami, Administration Award; Fujiko Takeda and Ruthie Kitagawa, Community Awards; Wayne Iwahashi, Program Award; and James and Midori Uyeda, Museum Family Spirit Award.

The Museum also recognizes volunteers for the years of service, including for one year, five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years and 25 years. Only one person qualified for 25 years: Masako Murakami. Four volunteers—Philip Crouch, Hal Keimi, Hitoshi Sameshima and Robert Uragami—were presented 20-year pins.

The Museum’s Volunteer event is unique in that the recipients of the individual awards are not aware they will be recognized. It is only when the Museum staff member reads off his or her name that they know they are the recipients of these awards.

The Japanese American National Museum is the only national nonprofit museum dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the Japanese American experience as an integral part of U.S. history. Founded in 1985, it has welcomed new audiences through its exhibitions, public programs and special events.