Whitfield-Manjiro 
Friendship Society, Inc. 
Our society (formerly known as 
the Fairhaven-New Bedfordffosashimizu 
Sister City Committee, Inc.) has been 
active in promoting U.S.-Japan relation- 
ships for more than 30 years. Through 
various citizen exchanges and events we 
have sought to introduce the US culture 
to visiting Japanese as well as to assist 
our citizens to visit Japan and/or learn 
about the Japanese culture. It has been a 
very rewarding challenge 
In our new role we have also been 
designated to operate the: 
Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House 
(Museum & Cultural Center) 
It is located at the former home of Cap- 
tain William Whitfield where Manjiro 
Nakahama spent his first days living in 
the USA. The Captain had rescued him 
from a small Pacific island and brought 
him to Fairhaven, Mass. to be the first 
Japanese person to live here. 

This home had been put on the 
market for sale and was rescued as a sig- 
nificant, historic edifice by the amazing 
fund-raising efforts of supporters led by 
Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara of Japan. The 
buildings, including the carriage house 
(which will become the Cultural Center) 
were purchased and are being renovated. 
The house (museum) was finished in May 
of 2009 with the carriage house being des- 
ignated as phase Il.x This complex is due 
to become the focus of attention for all 
those interested in the initiation and con- 
tinuation of friendly relationships between 
the peoples of Japan and the USA. 
We are proud to accept this his- 
toric trust and we would like to invite you 
to become a Member of our Society. If 
you wish to add your support to this en- 
deavor, complete the form at the right and 
mail it as indicated or hand it to a repre- 
sentative of the WMFS. In any event we 
look forward to greeting you where   Manjiro and Captain Whitfield shared time 
and space. 

    Manjiro Trail
The trail visits 8 locations which were important to Manjiro’s time in Fairhaven including the Captain’s house (museum).
www.Whitfield-Manjiro.org