Captain John Kendrick is credited with paving the way for trade with Japan and other Asian countries in the late 1700s, and he called Wareham home.

To celebrate Kendrick’s achievements, as well as the discovery of new documents that shed light on his voyage, the Wareham Historical Society celebrated Capt. John Kendrick Day on June 18.

From 1 to 4 p.m. his historic home at 100 Main St. was open to the public.

Scott Ridley, author of “Morning of Fire: John Kendrick’s Daring American Odyssey in the Pacific,” spoke in the house about his recent discovery.

While researching Kendrick’s life, he came across a day-to-day account of the captain making landfall in Japan. At the time, trading or visiting with foreigners was punishable by death in Japan.

The ship stayed for seven days in Kushimoto, Japan before leaving. Ridley shared his discovery of the diary with Japanese officials who were excited that a missing piece of history had been found. Scott said there are plans to dig deeper into archives and search for artifacts overseas to see what else will be unearthed. Until then, Scott told those in attendance to cherish their connection to the past.

“Here in Wareham there is a rich history,” he said. “You are sitting inside an American treasure here in this building.”

During his talk, Scott recounted Kendrick’s mark on world history.

In 1791, he embarked on a voyage that brought him across the Pacific and included that stop in Japan. Kendrick holds the distinction of being the first American official to make landfall as a diplomat, nearly 60 years before U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry opened trade routes using gunboat diplomacy.

Scott shared some facts about Kendrick, including his untimely death in 1794 while on the Hawaiian Islands.

He died amid a hail of British cannon fire, which some attribute to a salute gone wrong, which Scott disputed.

“Some said at the time it was meant to be a salute to the captain,” Scott said, noting there was animosity between Kendrick and the British. “I’m highly dubious.”

Scott said Kendrick’s historical contributions were undeniable.

“He set out to establish an American presence in the Pacific, and he did,” said Scott. “He set the stage for the way the nation developed in the American West.”