Timeline of Events
How we got here
September 14, 2020
50 Objects publishes "Demolished Monument"
Project Director, Nancy Ukai, publishes
Shimamoto map of the killing site. The map was found in the National Archives files.
September 20 - 21, 2020
Wakasa Monument found
Archaeologists Jeff Burton and Mary Farrell travel to the Topaz site with the Shimamoto map and measuring instruments. They discover a stone approximately 4' long buried in the ground. It protrudes a few inches above ground level.
October 15, 2020
14 person ad hoc group meets via Zoom
The group consists of three members of the Topaz Museum Board, archaeologists, NPS representatives and four Topaz survivors/descendants. The group decides the stone should remain in the ground until a proper archaeological survey can be done.
July 4, 2021
Shimamoto map is published in Discover Nikkei
Part 4 of Jeff Burton and Mary Farrell's five part series, "The Power of Place: James Hatsuaki Wakasa and the Persistence of Memory," is published online.
July 19, 2021
Funds offered to TMB by Takahashi Foundation
Masako Takahashi offers to fund a professional excavation of the memorial stone.
July 21, 2021
TMB contacts Utah State Historic Preservation Office
A representative from the SHPO is invited to attend the "move" of the monument on July 27.
July 22, 2021
TMB declines offer from Takahashi Foundation
TMB President informs ad hoc committee and Takahashi Foundation that they have access to existing grant funds and she will "keep you apprised as the work goes forward".
July 26, 2021
TMB President informs Masako Takashi that stone will be dug up the next day
None of the original ad hoc group was notified. Takahashi is told that a person was secured to video the dig. To date, TMB has refused to allow anyone to view the footage.
July 27, 2021
Wakasa Monument is removed from Topaz site
Topaz Museum Board votes unanimously to excavate the monument. No Japanese Americans were present.
September 2021
Wakasa Memorial Committee is formed
WMC is formed to ensure the highest professional standards are in place to preserve and interpret the monument.