Friends of Mukai

Mission

The historic Mukai Farm & Garden interprets the impact of the Mukai family and the broader Japanese American immigrant community on 20th Century agriculture, business, and community life and celebrates the ongoing role of this historic landmark in our community.

Description

When BD Mukai first broke ground on his strawberry farm in the early 1920's, he was a young man with a dream to make an American life and a living with his new family. The dream came true, and the Mukai complex became a vibrant business and gathering place that welcomed people from all over Vashon, until WWII forced the family to move to Idaho to avoid Japanese internment.
The Vashon Island community plus state and county agencies have invested nearly three million dollars so far in renovations to the Mukai home, garden and fruit barreling plant. Once again the complex is part of Vashon's beating heart. Over the last few years, the property has hosted family and civic events, garden tours, cultural classes and hugely popular Japan Festival, Haiku Festival and other events. The lovely Japanese garden designed by Mrs. Mukai and restored to its original glory in 2019 is the only public garden on the Island.
Because our anticipated user-group income has literally vanished due to Covid-19, plans for public programing and facility improvements were scaled back to drop-in opportunities and on-line classes. Still we continue to conduct routine maintenance to protect our investment in the garden and house, with operations running about $90,000 per year.

YOUR DONATION NOW WILL HELP THE MUKAI FARM & GARDEN REMAIN A VALUABLE PART OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST COMMUNITY!!

Thank you very much. ~ The Board of Directors, Friends of Mukai

Recognition

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Alderson

Rita Brogan, President

Annie Duggan

Asano Hayama
Mike Kleer
Ayumi Luke

Kay Longhi
J.F. Mannina

Brit Myers
Meg Nelson
Mary Rabourn

Renee Roman
Executive Director: Tina Shattuck

Friends of Mukai is supported by the State of Washington, King County and 4Culture as well as many members of the community.
FoM has partnered with:
•The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation
•The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
•The National Park Service
•The Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association
•The King County Department of Historic Preservation
•King County Parks and Recreation
•Historic Seattle

Mukai Farm and Garden has also partnered with these local organization for programming:
Vashon Maury Island Land Trust
Vashon Maury Chamber of Commerce
Vashon Center for the Arts