The Anthropological Studies Center of Sonoma State University has recently been awarded a Cal Humanities Community Stories Grant to collect the oral histories of Japanese American flower growers in the San Francisco East Bay area.

Despite their profound influence on culture, community, identity, and industry, many of the contributions and stories of Japanese American nurseries are unrecognized and unrecorded. This project will shed light on the origins of the Japanese floral industry in the East Bay, how Japanese immigrants and their children shaped and influenced the floral industry, and how a resilient, supportive, and active Japanese American community was established.

If you or someone you know was involved in the Northern California nursery industry your stories and memories are needed! Your involvement will help preserve and share this important part of Japanese American history.

Please contact Project Director, Dana Ogo Shew at 707-664-3285 or shew@sonoma.edu for more information about the project and how to participate.