Nakashima Barn
History Quilt
Location: 32325 WA-9, Arlington, Washington
Year: 2014
Funding Organization: Snohomish County with funding by the Washington Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation
Taking inspiration from pioneer barn quilts, the History Quilt photo montage honors the trajectory of the site, from ancient forest, to milled lumber, dairy farm, and the impacts of World War II internment on the local Nakashima family.
Teresa was part of the artist duo (while a Principal at Site Story) that created the History Quilt. The art installation was a component within the Centennial Trail Past>Forward Interpretive Program; the full program team included Site Story, SKL Architects and Luminous Creative.
Honoring the Full Spectrum of Our Past
This 100+ year old barn has seen a great many changes, and stands as a marker of the tenacity of those that cleared the land here to farm, the Nakashima Family. That same family was forced to sell for pennies, during World War II when Executive Order 9066 sent 12,000 West Coast Japanese Americans to internment camps.
The History Quilt celebrates the arc of the site from forest to farm, while honoring that history does contain dark lessons for our future selves.
The Nakashima family reunion at the barn. Image by Steve Stolee.
Nakashima Barn front with interpretive panel.
The Nakashima Barn Quilt. Image by Steve Stolee.
The Nakashima family reunion at the barn. Image by Steve Stolee.