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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] The museum also has started a library that lends books to people about the Japanese American experience.
 | |
| Established | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 South Railroad Street McGehee, Arkansas |
| Coordinates | 33°37′42″N 91°23′42″W |
| Type | History museum |
| Website | Jerome-Rohwer Interpretive Museum & Visitor Center |
Visitors are encouraged to tour the remains of the Rohwer War Relocation Center, which is located about 17 miles (27 km) 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 the actor, activist, and former camp incarceree George Takei giving a speech; his narration is also featured on a number of the audio displays.[6]
Instead of just having structures and other forms of art, this museum has unique work spaces. It also opened a historic section so people have knowledge behind this topic.[7]
The work spaces are used for collections and more specifically for the Frank. H Watase Media Arts Center. Some of the interesting events that happen in the community area of the museum would be wedding receptions. It is interesting to see everything that happens in that space but it could be significant for people.[7]
The historic section of the museum is interesting since they did wait a while to make that section and it is one of the most important parts to mention. One important exhibition that is included in the museum is the "Fighting for Democracy: Who is the 'We' in 'We, the People'?"[7]
Over the years of being open the museum has received multiple awards.
- 2013
- Cultural Heritage award from Arkansas Delta ByWays
- Natural State Category Finalist from Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism
- Southern Travel Treasure from AAA Southern Traveler Magazine
- 2014
- Natural and Cultural Heritage award from Arkansas Delta ByWays
- 2015
- Bootstrap Award Winner From the Henry Awards given by Arkansas Parks and Tourism at the Governor's Conference on Tourism
- presented because they achieved a successful museum with limited resources and finances.
- Bootstrap Award Winner From the Henry Awards given by Arkansas Parks and Tourism at the Governor's Conference on Tourism
The museum occasionally has an exhibit about Nancy Chikaraishi.[8] Her artwork is displayed, showing the struggle of the Japanese American's inside of the camps. She is mainly featured because her and her parents were past internees at Rohwer. Her artwork consists of charcoal drawings, sculptures and paintings of their experience.
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