Manzanar National Historic Site Opens New Exhibits
While most state and federal lands are recognized in a celebratory way -- either for historical or natural significance -- Manzanar National Historic Site exists to remind us of a time when our country did the wrong thing.
Located about six miles south of Independence, California, Manzanar was the site of one of ten camps throughout the U.S. where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. Manzanar interned 10,000 Japanese Americans who were forced from their homes and into crowded barracks from 1942 until the war's end in 1945. Over 90% of those interned at Manzanar came from Los Angeles.
Starting today, the site has new permanent exhibits in two of the reconstructed barracks. They will "feature extensive photos, documents, and quotes illustrating the challenges and changes people faced at Manzanar." In addition, there are six audio stations and one video station with 42 oral history clips. Some more information:
Exhibits in barracks 1 focus on the early days of Manzanar, when thousands of people arrived to an unfinished camp. Barracks 1 also includes a Block Manager's office, featuring the papers of Block Manager Chokichi Nakano. Barracks 8 features an "improved" apartment with linoleum and wall board. A second room explores the Loyalty Questionnaire and its profound long-lasting impacts.
Admission is free. For more information, visit their website.