Visitor Center Dedication and Grand Opening

Why This Moment Matters

Join the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association as we celebrate the completion of the Exclusion Memorial’s final phase: the new Visitor Center and Plaza. More than 20 years in the making, the Memorial is the work of survivors of World War II Japanese American incarceration, their descendants, the Bainbridge Island community, and many partners who believed this history must be remembered. It is a place of remembrance, healing, and reflection—and a reminder of both the fragility of civil liberties and our shared responsibility to protect them.

Come experience the Visitor Center’s striking design, the newly accessible paved plaza, and a site transformed for the future. The Visitor Center will become the home of education at the Memorial, welcoming students, families, and visitors for generations to come. Together, we will honor those who made this place possible and celebrate what the Memorial says about who we are as a community—and what we choose to stand for.

Schedule

Free Parking Shuttle – 10:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Complimentary shuttle service will run between the American Legion Hall (7898 NE Bucklin Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island) and the Exclusion Memorial. Parking at Pritchard Park is reserved for survivors and others requiring ADA accessibility. We kindly ask guests carpool, use the shuttle, and park safely.

Preview Reception by Invitation Only – 11:00 a.m.

Public Dedication Ceremony – 12:30 p.m.

Ribbon-Cutting – ~1:20 p.m.

Public Open House – 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Dedication Ceremony will honor the people and partnerships that brought the Memorial to this moment, with remarks from Frank Kitamoto’s niece; a longtime BIJAEMA board member reflecting on the Memorial’s history; tributes to Fumiko Hayashida; remarks by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell; the National Park Service Superintendent for Seattle Area Parks; the founding principal of Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School speaking about the development of Bainbridge Island’s educational program on the Japanese American exclusion and incarceration; and a representative of Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. The ceremony will conclude with a ribbon cutting led by Japanese American exclusion Survivors.

Plan Your Visit

Ferry Sailings – Recommended Seattle departures are at 9:35 a.m., 10:40 a.m. Check here for the current Sunday ferry schedule.

Local Transportation – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Kitsap Transit’s On Demand service will provide rides from the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal to the Memorial on Sunday, October 11:
– Reserve up to 7 days in advance using the Ride Pingo app or by calling 1-844-475-7433.
– Reservations may be made for groups of up to 6 people; larger groups will need multiple reservations.
– Pickup is at the transit lot adjacent to the ferry terminal. Exit the terminal, turn left, and walk a short distance to the transit area.
– Fare is $2 per ride.
– The van will drop passengers near the event entrance, followed by a short walk up the boardwalk to the Visitor Center plaza.
– Be sure to reserve your return trip. The last pickup is at 3:30 p.m.

Free Parking Shuttle – 10:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Complimentary shuttle service will run between the American Legion Hall (7898 NE Bucklin Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island) and the Exclusion Memorial. The ride takes approximately 6 minutes. We kindly ask guests to carpool, use the shuttle, and park safely. Please allow yourself adequate time to be on-site for the 12:30 p.m. Dedication Ceremony

ADA Accessible Parking – Guests requiring accessible parking may drop-off and park in the Pritchard Park/Exclusion Memorial parking lots. Please email [email protected] to reserve a space.

No Pets Allowed – Due to the potential audience size and the fragile new plantings and landscaping in the Plaza, pets will not be allowed at the Dedication.