Screening – The Paradox of Seabrook Farms: Shattered Dreams, Restored Hopes

The moving and complex story of Seabrook Farms in New Jersey where 2,500 Japanese Americans worked and settled after being released from World War II Incarceration Camps. There they were joined by people of around 21 other nationalities including Eastern European refugees fleeing persecution and African Americans escaping the Jim Crow laws in the Deep South, to form an interwoven global community. Both men and women worked grueling rotating 7 day shifts at what was the largest frozen food processing farm and factory in the United States in the mid-20th Century. Despite all the hardships they still found ways to keep and celebrate their cultural traditions, share them with members of the larger community, and give their children a happy childhood despite the injustices they had suffered through. It is a story of immigrants and migrant workers overcoming hardship and exploitation, which continues to this present day.

 

This free film screening will be followed by a Q&A and a reception with food and refreshments.

 

The panel will include: the film’s director Helga Merits, John Seabrook (Grandson of Seabrook Farms founder Charles F. Seabrook), plus Helle Gawrylewski and Theodora “Teddy” Yoshikami whose families worked and lived at Seabrook Farms when they were children. The discussion will be moderated by George Hirose (from JAA-NY, JACL-NY & ZAJA).

 

Please RSVP to george.hirose@gmail.com by October 25th, 2025 with “RSVP Seabrook” in the subject line.