Rosie Presents: Interpreting Japanese American Incarceration Through Blossoms & Thorns, A Community Uprooted Featuring Flora Ninomiya and Jim Oshima

Richmond, CA - Rosie the Riveter Trust invites the public to a special virtual conversation examining how we interpret and teach one of the most complex chapters of World War II history. On Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 PM,PST  the Trust will present a discussion with National Park Service interpreters Flora Ninomiya and Jim Oshima about Blossoms & Thorns, A Community Uprooted, the powerful film featured at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Education Center.

Hosted by Pamela Buckingham, Communications and Marketing Manager for the Trust, the conversation will explore how public historians engage visitors with the story of Japanese American incarceration during World War II and why these stories remain essential to understanding the American home front experience.

Oshima and Ninomiya have presented Blossoms & Thorns to thousands of visitors, guiding audiences through the history, consequences, and lasting legacy of Executive Order 9066 and the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Together, they will discuss the challenges and rewards of interpreting difficult history, audience reactions to the film, and the role of storytelling in helping visitors connect with the past.

"World War II is often remembered as a story of unity, sacrifice, and opportunity, but it is also a story of contradiction," said Buckingham. "As we honor the achievements of the home front workforce, we must also examine the experiences of those whose rights and freedoms were denied. Jim and Flora help visitors engage with this history in meaningful ways, reminding us that a fuller understanding of the past helps us build a stronger future."

This event is part of Rosie Presents!, the Trust's virtual speaker series featuring historians, educators, authors, and community leaders whose work illuminates the many dimensions of the WWII home front experience. Programs are presented live online and recordings are available for viewing from anywhere at https://www.youtube.com/@RosietheRiveterTrust

Event Details

Rosie Presents: Interpreting Japanese American Incarceration Through Blossoms & Thorns, A Community Uprooted

Featuring Flora Ninomiya and Jim Oshima

Thursday, June 25, 2026

7:00 PM, PST (Online)

To Register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LsSK6ScLTLOcoNx7TxhUBg

About Rosie Presents!

Rosie Presents! is Rosie the Riveter Trust’s speaker series featuring authors, historians, scholars, artists, and community leaders who explore the history and lasting impact of the World War II Home Front. Through engaging presentations and conversations, Rosie Presents! connects audiences with stories of service, sacrifice, opportunity, and social change while highlighting the continued relevance of the Rosie legacy today.