ILLUMINATION is an annual celebration of community sourced narratives that reflect the plurality of voices in Springfield, Oregon. We use interviews, photographs, and personal objects to share stories that illuminate the intersectionality of our Springfield identity.
This year our talented team includes Aimee Yogi, Thomas Hiura and Mimi Nolledo who are working with the community to explore what it means to be an Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander in Springfield, Oregon.
We want to hear from community members who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander who also live, work, volunteer and/or attend school in Springfield, Oregon. Those interested can share their stories in two ways:
Complete a web form at https://wheremindsgrow.org/illumination.
Visit a story box at a participating location and handwrite a postcard at:
- Springfield History Museum
590 Main St. Springfield OR 97477 - Springfield Public Library
225 5th St. Suite 301, Springfield OR 97477 - Uptown Asian Grocery
1460 Mohawk Blvd. Springfield OR 97477 - Hawaiian Time
1865 Olympic St. Springfield OR 97477 - Hearts for Hospice Resale Store
444 Main St. Springfield OR 97477 - White Lotus Gallery
767 Willamette St. Eugene OR 97401
“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to this annual exhibition about historically marginalized voices,” said Curator Madeline McGraw. “So many have been left out of our historical records and we are working to change that, one story at a time.”
One of the big takeaways from this journey so far has been the broad spectrum of experiences that people have shared. For instance, one community member shared that, “…I am adopted, so my journey as an Asian American is very different from my peers who grew up with parents that taught them their cultural heritage…”
ILLUMINATION reminds us that we all have a story, either our own or our ancestors, of the journey that brought us to this special place we call Springfield today. The Springfield History Museum will continue to welcome stories now through the duration of the exhibit, which will open Friday, December 9, 2022, and run through Saturday, March 11, 2023.
For more information, visit https://wheremindsgrow.org/illumination, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or call 541.726.2300.
What: Share YOUR Story with the Springfield History Museum
When: Now through March 11, 2023
Where: Online web form or handwritten postcard at participating locations
Additional Information: Mindy Linder, 541.726.3677 or mlinder@springfield-or.gov
Instagram: @springfieldmuseum_oregon · Facebook: @SpringfieldMuseum · Website: https://wheremindsgrow.org/illumination