Minidoka National Historic Site

Images of America

by Hanako Wakatsuki, Mia Russell, Carol Ash

In the vast sagebrush desert of Southern Idaho, Minidoka War Relocation Center had a short-lived and painful existence. The wartime operation incarcerated over 13,000 American citizens and legal resident aliens of Japanese ancestry from August 1942 to October 1945. They were forcibly removed from their homes along the West Coast--primarily from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska--as a result of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. Their only crime was looking like the enemy. For three years, the men, women, and children endured uncertainty, created community, and demonstrated resilience, creativity, and patriotism. Today, Minidoka National Historic Site protects the legacy of the incarceration history and its important lessons in civil liberties.

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2018

Reviews

[Rachel-RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book a few months ago and what better time to read it than on the anniversary of Executive Order 9066 (signed 2/19/1942). E.O. 9066 is what sent Japanese Americans to concentration camps on the West Coast. Excellent book with historical facts and pictures of life/family photographs in Minidoka.
Minidoka is about 2 hours south of Boise (Idaho).

[Jchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful visual story-telling compiled by Hanako Wakatsuki, Mia Russell and Carol Ash. The contributions from the families and historical organizations highlight the struggles, joys and long term implications of the US turning upon its own people in wartime hysteria. A powerful read with deep connections to current events in the American experience.

[Maya ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographs were so moving and powerful. It really exposes the dark side of America's history and in a way that is profound.

[Regine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The text would benefit from editing, and some of the photos have faded, but history shown here makes me weep. The book appears to be a labor of love. May their memory be eternal.

[Rachel]

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