NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

RICHMOND — “One Small Story from Richmond’s Hidden History: the Japanese American Nurseries” will be on display from Sept. 12 to Oct. 24 at the Richmond Museum of History, 400 Nevin Avenue.

An opening reception will be held Sunday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Located in the Seaver Gallery, this installation features photographs and archival objects illustrative of the Japanese American cut flower business that thrived in Richmond for most of the 20th century. The exhibition represents a “small story” of a complex, partly forgotten history of success and perseverance, focusing on three families engaged in tending and selling a variety of flowers for local and national consumption.

The exhibition offers a glimpse of the cut flower nurseries and growers through an informative arrangement of material.

Pictures depicting some aspect of the life and work of the Sakai, Oishi and Maida families are displayed adjacent to corresponding objects. One example is a photograph of schoolgirls adjacent to a school yearbook.

Blueprints, account books, and a desk constructed during the internment by Tom Oishi are just a few of the many items selected for viewing. The exhibition is designed to be an instructive event for the visitor interested in an important chapter in Richmond’s cultural and social history.

Admission to the opening is free, but donations are gratefully received.

Museum hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.

For more information, call (510) 235-7387 or visit www.richmondmuseumofhistory.org