Japanese American Internment Museum
The Japanese American Internment Museum, also known as the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum and the Jerome-Rohwer Interpretive Museum & Visitor Center, is a history museum in McGehee, Arkansas.[1] The museum features exhibits regarding the area history of Japanese American internment in the 1940s when more than 17,000 Japanese Americans were housed at nearby Rohwer War Relocation Center and Jerome War Relocation Center during World War II. Exhibits include a film, oral histories, photographs, personal artifacts and some art made by internees, as well as changing art exhibitions.[2]
Visitors are encouraged to tour the remains of the Rohwer War Relocation Center, which is located about 17 miles away from the museum. The site includes a memorial, cemetery, interpretive panels and audio kiosks.[3]
The museum opened its doors on April 16, 2013 and is located in the south building of the historic McGehee Railroad Depot.[4] It is one of several Arkansas State University Heritage Sites.[5]
The dedication ceremony for the museum featured George Takei giving a speech and his narration is also featured on a number of the audio displays.[6]
References
- ^ "WWII Japanese – American Internment Museum". McGehee Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "Art tells story of Arkansas WWII camps". Springfield News-Leader. May 26, 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ McGhee Chamber announcement
- ^ "Opening of WWII Japanese American Internment Camps Museum". ArkansasTies. March 20, 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "Official site". Arkansas State University Heritage Sites. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ Huffington Post Opinion piece by George Takei
External links
- Museum - Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center
33°37′42″N 91°23′42″W / 33.62825°N 91.39511°W
- Museums in Desha County, Arkansas
- Japanese American internment
- Museums of Japanese culture abroad in the United States
- Ethnic museums in Arkansas
- History museums in Arkansas
- World War II museums in the United States
- Museums established in 2013
- 2013 establishments in Arkansas
- Southern United States museum stubs
- Arkansas building and structure stubs