Program Remembers 75th Anniversary of Japanese-American Incarceration During WWII

Quick Facts
Event: 75th Anniversary of the Japanese-American Incarceration
Location: Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Date: Sunday, February 19
Time: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free, registration recommended

On Feb. 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, beginning the incarceration of more than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, most of whom were U.S. citizens, during World War II. On Sunday, February 19, the 75th anniversary of the executive order, visitors to the Minnesota History Center can attend a program remembering this painful chapter in American history and reflect on the question: “Could this happen again?”

This event, created in partnership with the Twin Cities chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, will feature local survivors, theater readings from internees’ letters and diaries directed by Rick Shiomi, music from Kogen Taiko and more.

Attendees can also view the one-day exhibit “Asian Pacific Legal Experience in America: Opportunity, Economics, Racism and Hope” exploring the legal journey of Asian-Americans throughout U.S. history. The exhibit is provided by the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

About the Minnesota History Center
The Minnesota History Center holds the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society. The History Center is home to an innovative museum, engaging public programs, a research library, distinctive gift shops and Market House by D’Amico restaurant.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.