White River Valley Museum (Out of Many, One display)

1942 Maekawa Suitcase

The suitcase was used by Sen (Iwasaki) when she immigrated to the US from Japan as a picture bride, c. 1910. The case was used by Kiyono Maekawa, one of Sens three daughters, when the family was incarcerated during World War II. This number was assigned to the family when they were forced to leave their home in Auburn in 1942 to the Pinedale detention camp in California.

How it represents the community’s American experience:

The Maekawa suitcase represents hope, darkness, and perseverance. It is the immigrants journey — the search for the American dream though struggle, through racism, and even incarceration. A simple object, passed down through generations as a reminder of the past and hope for a better future.

On display at the White River Valley Museum, Wednesday – Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., through May 2026.