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News Release

Clark County Historical Museum Presents “Our Mr. Matsura” Documentary Screening And Talk (Photo) - 04/07/26

The Clark County Historical Museum invites the public to a special History on Tap event featuring a screening of the acclaimed documentary Our Mr. Matsura, followed by a community discussion with documentarian Beth Harrington. The event will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield.

 

Our Mr. Matsura tells the remarkable story of Frank (Sakae) Matsura, a Japanese-born photographer who immigrated to Washington State in the early 1900s and became one of the most important visual chroniclers of life in Okanogan County. Orphaned at a young age and raised in Tokyo, Matsura eventually made his way to rural Washington, where he embedded himself in a diverse community of Native people, settlers, and working-class residents.

 

Through his lens, Matsura captured thousands of images that documented everyday life in the American West. His work stood apart from traditional photography of the era, often incorporating humor, collaboration, and unconventional self-portraiture that challenged prevailing ideas about identity and representation.

 

The film is produced, directed, and written by Beth Harrington, an Emmy Award–winning independent filmmaker whose work explores American history, culture, music, and art. Harrington’s previous films include Welcome to the Club: The Women of Rockabilly, which earned a Grammy nomination and aired nationally on PBS, and The Winding Stream: The Carters, the Cashes and the Course of Country Music, which premiered at SXSW and received widespread critical acclaim.

 

With decades of experience in public television, including work with WGBH in Boston and Oregon Public Broadcasting, Harrington brings a deeply researched and human-centered approach to storytelling, illuminating the lives and communities that shape regional history.

 

More than a century later, Matsura’s photographs continue to resonate, offering a deeply human perspective on community, culture, and belonging.

 

Following the screening, attendees will be invited to participate in a discussion exploring Matsura’s artistic legacy and the broader impact of immigrant voices in shaping regional history.

 

This installment of History on Tap is made possible through the generosity of season sponsors the Old Liberty Theater and Ridgefield Main Street, with media sponsorship through The Columbian, and program support from Enspire Arts and Silver Keys Media.

 

Event Details:
Thursday, May 21, 2026


Doors open at 6:00 PM | Program begins at 7:00 PM


Old Liberty Theater, 115 N Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA

 

Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members. Advance registration is required. More info at www.cchmuseum.org

Attached Media Files: May_2026_History_On_Tap.png,

Clark County Historical Museum Presents “Our Mr. Matsura” Documentary Screening And Talk (Photo) - 04/07/26

The Clark County Historical Museum invites the public to a special History on Tap event featuring a screening of the acclaimed documentary Our Mr. Matsura, followed by a community discussion with documentarian Beth Harrington. The event will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield.

 

Our Mr. Matsura tells the remarkable story of Frank (Sakae) Matsura, a Japanese-born photographer who immigrated to Washington State in the early 1900s and became one of the most important visual chroniclers of life in Okanogan County. Orphaned at a young age and raised in Tokyo, Matsura eventually made his way to rural Washington, where he embedded himself in a diverse community of Native people, settlers, and working-class residents.

 

Through his lens, Matsura captured thousands of images that documented everyday life in the American West. His work stood apart from traditional photography of the era, often incorporating humor, collaboration, and unconventional self-portraiture that challenged prevailing ideas about identity and representation.

 

The film is produced, directed, and written by Beth Harrington, an Emmy Award–winning independent filmmaker whose work explores American history, culture, music, and art. Harrington’s previous films include Welcome to the Club: The Women of Rockabilly, which earned a Grammy nomination and aired nationally on PBS, and The Winding Stream: The Carters, the Cashes and the Course of Country Music, which premiered at SXSW and received widespread critical acclaim.

 

With decades of experience in public television, including work with WGBH in Boston and Oregon Public Broadcasting, Harrington brings a deeply researched and human-centered approach to storytelling, illuminating the lives and communities that shape regional history.

 

More than a century later, Matsura’s photographs continue to resonate, offering a deeply human perspective on community, culture, and belonging.

 

Following the screening, attendees will be invited to participate in a discussion exploring Matsura’s artistic legacy and the broader impact of immigrant voices in shaping regional history.

 

This installment of History on Tap is made possible through the generosity of season sponsors the Old Liberty Theater and Ridgefield Main Street, with media sponsorship through The Columbian, and program support from Enspire Arts and Silver Keys Media.

 

Event Details:
Thursday, May 21, 2026


Doors open at 6:00 PM | Program begins at 7:00 PM


Old Liberty Theater, 115 N Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA

 

Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members. Advance registration is required. More info at www.cchmuseum.org

Attached Media Files: May_2026_History_On_Tap.png,