Education

Manzanar's history offers compelling and relevant lessons for today.  In addition to primary documents, historic photographs, and more than 700 oral histories, there are standards-based lesson plans for primary and secondary education.

Bringing Manzanar to your Classroom

CURRICULUM: Park rangers at Manzanar National Historic Site, working collaboration with educators and partners, created these educator resources for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and other educators. These primary and secondary school curriculum materials meet National and State curriculum standards. Email us for copies.

ID BOOKLETS: These biographical booklets tell the personal stories of those incarcerated and others directly affected by the incareration experience. Nearly all of these booklets were written by survivors or their families. All the stories can be viewed from the hyperlink, but you can email us for pdf versions.

SUGGESTED READING/RESOURCES: Many books are available on almost every aspect of the incarceration experience. The listing of resources does not presume endorsement by the National Park Service. Many perspectives on this subject should be considered as one develops their understanding of the treatment of Japanese Americans and their immigrant parents before, during, and after World War II. Email us for a list of resources.

BRINGING THE CLASSROOM TO MANZANAR: Please know that Manzanar is set up to be self-guided and does not require a guided tour to have an impactful experience. Read our “Things to Do” pages for suggestions.

JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM: Manzanar's Junior Ranger program offers a great opportunity for children to connect with the story of Manzanar and the history of Owens Valley. Participants in the program who complete an activity booklet will earn a Junior Ranger badge. Activities are tailored for children between the ages of 4 to 15; however, anyone is welcome to participate. 

ORAL HISTORIES: The Manzanar Oral History Project documents the World War II history of Japanese Americans at Manzanar and elsewhere. Since 1999, Manzanar National Historic Site has collected more than 715 oral history interviews, preserving these stories and experiences for future generations. Manzanar's oral histories are used for educational and research purposes, and some are available online.

HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS: The photographic record of Manzanar is one of the most comprehensive of any of the War Relocation Authority centers. See collections from Dorothea Lange, Clem Albers, Francis Stewart, and Ansel Adams and learn about Toyo Miyatake.

SITE PUBLICATONS: Many of Manzanar’s publications, park brochures, and site bulletins are available online.

If we can support you as you teach Manzanar's story or have questions about bringing students to the site, please send us an email through the 'Contact Us' link at the bottom of the page.