George Nakashima Woodworker Documentary

Join us at Washington Crossing Historic Park’s (PA) Visitor Center Auditorium for a screening of “George Nakashima: Woodworker” on November 9th at 2:00 p.m.  

George Nakashima is not only a local legend, but is a world renowned woodworker and architect. His New Hope Studio, founded in 1946, is a National Historic Landmark. 

Filmmaker John Nakashima’s documentary offers a rare and very personal perspective of George Nakashima and the work that he designed and produced over a period of 54 years. George did not come to woodworking until his mid-thirties after a worldwide search for meaning that lasted for several years during the Great Depression. During his seeker’s journey, he found important answers that brought him to evolve this new approach to woodworking. It is a timeless story for anyone who has a fascination with the creative process. 

Following the screening, Mira Nakashima will lead a discussion and Q&A about her father's legacy, the ongoing work at George Nakashima Woodworkers, and the current project to preserve the Nakashima Family Home. To learn more about the preservation efforts and support the campaign, visit: https://nakashimafoundation.org/honor-a-legacy/

 Don’t miss this opportunity to share this film and discussion with the diverse group that admires Nakashima’s work including artists, lovers of mid-century design, woodworkers, and local history buffs. We thank producer and director John Nakashima for sharing this film with our community. This is a free event, but registration is required. 

To learn more about the film and watch the trailer: https://nakashimadocumentary.com/. 

Presenter Bio

Mira Nakashima is a furniture designer and architect whose lifelong work honors the vision of her father, George Nakashima. After receiving degrees from Harvard and Waseda University in Tokyo, Mira returned to the Nakashima Studio in 1970 and apprenticed under her father for two decades and then became creative director of George Nakashima Woodworkers. Under Mira’s leadership, the Nakashima property was named to Pennsylvania’s National Register of Historic Places in 2008, a National Historic Landmark and to the World Monuments Fund list in 2014. Through exhibitions, books, and collaborations with designers and architects around the world, Mira Nakashima has ensured that the spirit of her father’s philosophy continues to thrive.

About DRGP

The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) sponsors lectures related to different aspects of the Delaware River's cultural, recreational, and natural heritage. An environmental nonprofit, DRGP supports the Delaware River Scenic Byway, the Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River, the Delaware River Water Trail, and the Delaware River Heritage Trail.

To view previous Heritage Lectures, visit https://www.youtube.com/@delawarerivergp.

If you enjoy our Heritage Lectures, please donate https://delawarerivergreenwaypartnership.org/index.php/donate.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their financial support of the 2025 Heritage Lectures. We also thank Washington Crossing Historic Park for graciously providing use of their facilities.