Preserving a History

Archives News
Buddhism Comes To Seattle and King County

Seattle Buddhist members, recognizing the rich history tied into their Temple, formed the Betsuin Archives Committee in 1977.  The intent of the committee is to preserve the Japanese American Buddhists' heritage for future generations.

Mission
To promote understanding and education through the collection, preservation, exhibition and research of all materials having an historical or religious value for the Betsuin and the surrounding Seattle community.
Background
The Betsuin Archives was established in 1977 under the Religious Committee and funded by the Central Religious Committee. In 1990, the Betsuin Archives Committee was reorganized under the Board of Directors and funded by the Seattle Betsuin. A safe storage area was assigned to the Committee in the basement of Memorial Hall.
Collection Description
To date, collected, cataloged, and indexed over 2,000 artifacts and over 3,000 photographs, slides and documents. Completed more than 20 oral history interviews.
Programs, Exhibits, and Activities
1991 From Then to Now (1901-1991)
             History of Temple and Bon Odori
             Noodle Shop to Present; 50/90 (50 years at 1427 South Main Street / 90 years of the Temple’s existence)
1992 History of Bon Odori (with educational component)
1993 Continuing a Tradition (with educational component)
1994 Seattle’s Bon Odori; Historic Doll Exhibit
             BCA Centennial Publication
1995 Drama in the Community / 1930 Stage Props
             BCA Centennial Publication
1996 95 Years / Temple Retrospective (with interactive participation)
             Picture Bride Skit BCA Centennial Publication
1997 Mottainai (with interactive participation)
             Picture Bride Skit (New Year Party)
             BCA Centennial Publication
             Inventory of Temple Artifacts 
             Address to North Shore Senior Center
1998 Japanese Folk Art: Daruma and Masks (with interactive participation)
             Oral Histories and Pre-Interviews for Oral Histories
Community Outreach
 Wing Luke Asian Museum: Fifty Years Before and Fifty Years After (EO9066); One Song, Many Voices; NP Hotel; A Bridge Home: Music in the Lives of Asian Pacific Americans; Divided Destiny University of Washington: KCTS/Channel 9, “NW Memories”; Dept. of Architecture, AlA 100th Anniversary publication; Burke Museum “Strength and Diversity”; Gail Dubrow, College of Architecture; Professor James Nason, Department of Anthropology Other Organizations: MOHAI: “Blueprints—100 Years of Seattle Architecture; Densho; Seattle Historic Preservation and Development Authority; Seattle Public Schools Education Program Research Resource: Betsuin Kaikan Board Open House; Comish Art Student; UW Art History Student; Koji Yamamoto, Photographer from Japan; Betsuin Scouts 50th Anniversary; Madeline Duntley, PhD, University of Iowa; Japan America Society; University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, Dept. of History

In addition, one of the committee's major goals is to establish a museum and repository for many photos, artifacts, documents and oral histories that exist in the community.

If you have any items to donate to the Betsuin Archives Committee, or if you would like further information, please leave a message at 206-329-0800.

Long-time Archives Committee Member Yuki Miyake passed away April 16th 2000.

The Archives Committee produces an exhibit each month from its Archives that documents the history of the temple and its members.  Shown below are some of the objects that Japanese Americans made and used in the Relocation Camps during World War II.

The Archives Committee exhibit for March 2000 is shown below.

The Archives Committee exhibit for October 2000 is shown below: