National Education Center
Frequently asked questions
What is GFBNEC's Defining Courage Exhibition?
GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition is a hands-on and participatory learning center in the heart of Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo historic district. The exhibition explores the concept of courage through the lives of the young Japanese Americans of World War II, and asks modern visitors to act with similar courage in their own lives. GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition encourages dialogue and critical thinking about tolerance and social justice in a democratic society, stimulates civic awareness, and fosters empowerment.
How do I make an appointment to visit the Japanese American National Museum?
The Japanese American National Museum offers several different group visit options. Please see their website (janm.org) for more information and fill out their online-reservation form to book a group visit.
Does my school group qualify for group rates?
To qualify for student group rates ($3 per person), school groups must make a reservation. Unreserved school groups do not qualify for group discounts.
How much will it cost and how will I make reservations?
The cost is $3 per student or adult chaperon with advanced reservations. Each participant will also receive a free ticket to return to the exhibition again at a later date. You can make reservations through the School Group Coordinator by e-mailing [email protected].
What grade level should visit GFBNEC's Defining Courage Exhibition?
All grade levels are welcome at GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition, but the target audience is 5th grade through high school and college students. The exhibition fits the following common core requirements:
- California History-Social Sciences content standards – 10.8, 11.7, 11.10, 12.8, 12.10
- Common Core State Standards: ELA-Literacy – SL. 8.2-3, 11-12.2 RH. 11-12.7
Will my school receive a guided tour?
Your group will receive a tour to the Go For Broke Monument and an activity guide for experiencing the exhibition. Inside the exhibition, the interactive exhibits in GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition are designed to be self-guided. In addition, each student will receive a free ticket to return to the exhibition at a later date.
Where can my school eat lunch?
There is no space in GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition for lunch. We can provide a list of local parks for your group to eat lunch and there are many restaurants available in Little Tokyo.
How many chaperons do I need when I visit?
GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition requires one adult chaperone per every 10 students. This requirement is waved for junior/seniors in high school and college students. Additional chaperones are always welcome.
Where do school buses park?
Due to ongoing construction of the Metro Regional Connector, there may be street closures and detours near GFBNEC’s Defining Courage Exhibition. The School Group Coordinator will send you bus instructions closer to your tour date.
Are there any WWII Veterans available to speak to our students during the tour?
Honoring Japanese American WWII Veterans is a vital part of our organization. Our WWII Veterans are in their 80’s and 90’s and we try not to ask too much of them. The Hanashi Oral History program has collected over 1,180 interviews of Japanese American WWII veterans. These interviews are available as a searchable database on our website.