Contested Histories: Preserving and Sharing a Community Collection Exhibit

February 03, 2026

Painting of Heart Mountain Relocation Center by Estelle Peck Ishigo

The Eaton Collection, an important collection of some 400 items made by incarcerated Japanese Americans, is on display on the Academic Commons and First Floor Gallery of the Terrell Main Library from February 4th - March 15th.

During World War II, Japanese Americans incarcerated in America's concentration camps demonstrated their resilience, ingenuity, and creativity, from crafting necessities like furniture and tools to creating works of art. In 2015, thanks to the efforts of community organizations, leaders, and activists like the Japanese American History: Not For Sale Facebook page, the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, and actor George Takei, the Japanese American National Museum was entrusted with the safekeeping of the Eaton Collection. The exhibition explores the collection that sparked national and multigenerational conversations within and beyond the Japanese American community.

Exhibition Details

• On view from February 4th-March 5th, Academic Commons and First Floor Gallery, Terrell Main Library
• Opening Conversation: Contested Histories: Preserving and Sharing a Community Collection, February 4, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Library Learning Lab (Mudd 113)
• This exhibit is sponsored by Oberlin College Libraries; Friends of the Oberlin College Libraries; Archives, and Special Collections.