MIS Historic Learning Center – 10th Year Anniversary – Nov. 12, 2023

The National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) celebrates the 10 Year Anniversary of the opening of the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center on Sunday, November 12.

The day’s events will include:

• Two public lectures at the Presidio Officers’ Club by the foremost authority on the Military Intelligence Service, Dr. James C. McNaughton, author of Nisei Linguists: Japanese Americans in the Military Intelligence Service During World War II
• An optional sit-down lunch in the Presidio Officers’ Club’s beautiful Ortega Ballroom
• Tours, presentations and the public unveiling of a brand new photo kiosk honoring the Nisei Veterans of the Military Intelligence Service at the MIS Historic Learning Center, Bldg. 640, on Crissy Field 

The deadline for registration for the 10 Year Anniversary Event is October 31.

UPDATE: ALL EVENTS ARE SOLD OUT EXCEPT FOR JAMES MCNAUGHTON SECOND LECTURE AND MISHLC OPEN HOUSE.

Registration for James McNaughton Second Lecture and MISHLC Open House

The Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center (MIS Historic Learning Center) is a 13,000 square foot educational center devoted to the history of Japanese Americans and dedicated to the MIS Japanese American veterans. It is situated along the Presidio of San Francisco’s Crissy Field at the site of the original MIS language school, and is within walking distance of the newly created Presidio Tunnel Tops. Visitors from around the world have the opportunity to learn about the MIS, as well as the history of Japanese Americans, including WWII incarceration at the MIS Historic Learning Center.

Full schedule below:

• 10 AM: Registration and Refreshments at Presidio Officers’ Club
• 11 AM – 12 PM: James McNaughton Lecture #1 at Presidio Officers’ Club, Moraga Hall
• 12 PM -1:45 PM: Luncheon Program at Presidio Officers’ Club, Ortega Ballroom
• 2 PM – 3 PM: James McNaughton Lecture #2 at Presidio Officers’ Club, Moraga Hall
• 2 PM – 5PM: MIS Historic Learning Center Open House at MIS Historic Learning Center
• 2:30 PM – 3 PM: Karen Tanaka Lucas Presentation #1 at MIS Historic Learning Center
• 3:30 PM – 4 PM: Karen Tanaka Lucas 2nd Presentation #2 at MIS Historic Learning Center
• 3:30 PM until Closing: James McNaughton Meet n Greet at MIS Historic Learning Center
• 4 PM – 4:30 PM: Karen Tanaka Lucas Presentation #3 (if needed) at MIS Historic Learning Center

Locations:

Presidio Officers’ Club
50 Moraga Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129

Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, Building 640 (MISHLC)
640 Mason St. San Francisco, CA 94129

In Conjunction with the 10 Year Anniversary, NJAHS is Launching a National Campaign to Honor Nisei Veterans of the Military Intelligence Service

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31, 2023

MIS Families are urged to submit photos of their veterans to help fill a missing chapter in WWII history

NJAHS seeks your help in honoring the 13,000 MIS service members and their affiliates whose covert intelligence work and operations helped speed the end of World War II and the advancement of a democratic government in post-war Japan. 

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, NJAHS will launch the MIS Veteran Photo Tribute at the MIS Historic Learning Center. A digital photo kiosk that includes your veteran’s photo will be unveiled at the 10 year anniversary event on Sunday, November 12, and we welcome your attendance. This digital kiosk will be located on the MIS Historic Learning Center’s existing MIS Honor Wall, which lists the names of some 13,000 MIS and affiliates who served in various capacities from 1941-1952 The task of collecting the photos of these MIS and MIS-related veterans and their affiliates (civilian instructors, support staff, Naval Intelligence, Counter Intelligence Corp (CIC), WACS, Korean War MIS) is expected to take some time because of the wartime shroud of secrecy and the fact that many have passed away since the end of the war. 

The task of collecting thousands of veteran photos is daunting, and that’s why NJAHS seeks your help. Whether you are an MIS veteran family member or descendant or you know of someone who should be honored, we encourage you to submit a scanned digital image of a vintage photo of your veteran in military uniform for inclusion in the MIS Veteran Photo Tribute.

Here’s how you can help: 

1. Scan an image (300dpi) of a vintage enlistment photograph of your MIS veteran in his/her military uniform at the time of service ideally.  Headshots are preferred, but not necessary.
2. Fill out the attached information form, including the use of photo consent form  Your contact information is required should our NJAHS staff need to contact you with follow up questions. Information submitted will be used for purposes of the photo exhibit only.
3. Email your photo to mis@njahs.org  no later than October 31.
4. A suggested donation of $100 will be used to prepare your photo for inclusion in this permanent photo display.