BIJAEMA to Dedicate New Visitor Center at Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Sunday; Standing Together Concert, Featuring Dana Lyons, on Saturday

Public dedication and open house will celebrate more than two decades of work by BIJAEMA and community partners

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA) will dedicate the new Visitor Center at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Sunday, Oct. 11. The 12:30 p.m. Dedication Ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a Public Open House from 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The opening marks a major milestone in a multi-phase development effort undertaken by BIJAEMA over more than two decades to create and expand the Exclusion Memorial. The new Visitor Center adds exhibit and educational space, visitor amenities, and a year-round gathering place to a site that honors the 276 Bainbridge Island residents of Japanese ancestry who were the first Japanese Americans on the West Coast forcibly removed from their homes under Executive Order 9066 on March 30,1942.

BIJAEMA led the planning, fundraising and development of the $6.5 million Visitor Center as the final phase of the Exclusion Memorial project. The Oct. 11 opening will also recognize the many community organizations, project partners, donors, volunteers and individuals whose participation helped bring the Visitor Center to life.

The Visitor Center’s interpretive and exhibit work was developed with participation from representatives of BIJAEMA, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community (BIJAC), Bainbridge Island History Museum, Bainbridge Island School District, and the National Park Service, whose perspectives and expertise helped shape the content and visitor experience.

The dedication will bring together survivors and descendants, community members, project partners, donors and public officials to commemorate the opening of the Visitor Center and reflect on the Memorial’s continuing purpose: preserving this history, educating future generations, and carrying forward the message Nidoto Nai Yoni — “Let It Not Happen Again.”

WHAT: Public Dedication Ceremony for the new Visitor Center at the Bainbridge Island
Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, followed by a Public Open House
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
Preview Reception (invitation-only): 11 a.m
Public Dedication Ceremony: 12:30 p.m.
Public Open House: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: 4192 Eagle Harbor Drive NE, Bainbridge Island. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DpmyNVzgzK7DXMPo8

WHO: Survivors and descendants, community members, project partners, donors, public officials and other guests will be in attendance.

WHY: The Visitor Center represents the final phase in the more than 20-year development of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. It creates a permanent indoor
space for education, interpretation and reflection while strengthening the Memorial’s ability to share the story of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American community with future generations.

TIMELINE

8: a.m. – Kitsap Transit On Demand service begins (ferry terminal to Memorial)

9:35 a.m. / 10:40 a.m. – Recommended Seattle ferry departures

10:15 a.m. – Free parking shuttle begins (American Legion Hall to Memorial)

11:00 a.m. – Preview Reception (by invitation only)

12:30 p.m. – Public Dedication Ceremony

2:00–4:00 p.m. – Public Open House

3:30 p.m. – Last Kitsap Transit On Demand pickup from the Memorial

4:30 p.m. – Free parking shuttle ends

OTHER PARKING OPTIONS

Free Parking Shuttle (10:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.): Complimentary shuttle service will run between the American Legion Hall, 7898 NE Bucklin Hill Road, and the Memorial. The ride takes about 6 minutes.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rKM1MgqMNo5AQ8NYA

ADA Accessible Parking: Parking at the Pritchard Park/Exclusion Memorial lots is reserved for survivors and guests requiring ADA accessibility. To reserve a space, email info@bijaema.org.

Kitsap Transit’s Sunday On Demand service – How to reserve a ride:

1. Reserve up to 7 days in advance by downloading the Ride Pingo app (it works much like Lyft) or by calling 1-844-475-7433. You can reserve for groups of up to six; larger groups need multiple reservations.

2. The van will pick you up at the Bainbridge ferry terminal. Exit the terminal through the front door, turn left and walk a short distance to the transit lot next to the terminal. If the van is not already waiting, you can track it in the Ride Pingo app.

3. Each ride costs $2.

4. The ride to the Memorial takes about 15 minutes and drops you off near the event entrance. From there, it is a short walk up the boardwalk to the new Visitor Center plaza.

5. Be sure to book your return trip. The last pickup is at 3:30 p.m. More information: https://www.kitsaptransit.com/service/routed-buses/sunday-bus-service#bainbridge

About BIJAEMA: The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association(BIJAEMA) preserves and shares the history of the Japanese American community, honors theresilience of those who endured incarceration during World War II, celebrates the neighbors who stood by them, promotes understanding of civil liberties and constitutional rights for all
Americans, and carries forward the Memorial’s guiding message, Nidoto Nai Yoni — “Let It Not Happen Again.” Learn more at BIJAEMA.org.

Concert Featuring Singer-songwriter Dana Lyons at the Lynwood Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 10th

Standing Together Bainbridge Island (STBI) is sponsoring a concert with Dana Lyons on Saturday October 10 at the Lynwood Theatre.

Saturday, October 10, from 12 – 2:30 p.m. at the Historic Lynwood Theater, 4569 Lynwood Center Road NE, Bainbridge Island Registration: https://bit.ly/lyons-registration 

Lyons shares songs and stories from across America of unexpected alliances working together for democracy and our beautiful planet, according to the event poster. A suggested donated of $10 is recommended at the door.