‘Setsuko’s Secret: Heart Mountain and the Legacy of Japanese American Incarceration,’ written by Shirley Ann Higuchi, was recently published by University of Wisconsin Press.

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In conjunction with the publication of Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation chair Shirley Ann Higuchi’s new book, the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation will host a virtual book talk on Saturday at 6 p.m. The book is titled “Setsuko’s Secret: Heart Mountain and the Legacy of Japanese American Incarceration.”

Higuchi’s mother, Setsuko, was one of over 14,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated at the Heart Mountain camp located between Cody and Powell during World War II.

In Setsuko’s Secret, Higuchi follows her mother’s story and explores the long-lasting impact of incarceration on later generations of Japanese Americans. Saturday’s virtual book talk will feature Higuchi, in conversation with guest panelists Pete Simpson and Aura Newlin. The talk will focus on the history and legacy of the Heart Mountain camp in the state of Wyoming.

“The story of Heart Mountain is not just a Japanese American story, it is also a Wyoming story,” said Higuchi. “Tracing my mother’s story opened my eyes to the trauma her generation went through.”

The author said she also came to know and appreciate wonderful people like Norm Mineta, Pete Simpson and LaDonna Zall.

“I also came to appreciate that this is a story we all need to share and understand as we move forward together,” Higuchi said.

Saturday’s talk will be the first in a series of events Higuchi will host throughout the fall, each focused on different aspects of Heart Mountain’s history. This event is free, but registration is required. Participants can find a link to register at the Foundation’s website at www.heartmountain.org or on the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center Facebook page.

For more information about this event, call the interpretive center at 754-8000.