Earth Systems Science, Inc.

Manzanar NHS Press Release

Mar 08, 2004

Manzanar National Historic Site News Release
For Immediate Release: February 19, 2004
Contact: Alisa Lynch or Kim Linse
Phone: 760-878-2194

MANZANAR PREMIERES NEW WEBSITE IN ANTICIPATION OF APRIL 24 GRAND OPENING

On February 19, Manzanar National Historic Site premiered a totally redesigned and expanded website at www.nps.gov/manz/home.htm.

The redesign project, headed by Park Ranger Kacy Lynn Guill, dramatically enhances Manzanar's presence on the World Wide Web, offering virtual visitors a comprehensive site highlighting Manzanar's past, present, and future. In addition to covering multiple eras of Manzanar's history, the site includes information on visit planning, events, site management, education programs, volunteer opportunities, and natural and cultural resources.

"The new website is an important part of our overall program and another step towards Manzanar being a fully operational unit of the National Park System," said Superintendent Frank Hays. "We launched the site on February 19 in recognition of the annual Day of Remembrance. On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, giving the U.S. Army authority to remove over 110,000 Japanese Americans and resident aliens from the
West Coast."

On Saturday, April 24, 2004, the park and the Japanese American and local communities will celebrate a major milestone: the grand opening of the Interpretive Center and Park Headquarters in the adaptively restored Manzanar High School auditorium. The Interpretive Center will include 8,000 square feet of exhibits, two small movie theaters, park offices, and a bookstore operated by the new Manzanar History Association.

Events on April 24 begin with the 35th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage sponsored by the Manzanar Committee, a Los Angeles-based education group. The Pilgrimage event begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Manzanar cemetery and will include a performance by Taiko drummers, speeches, and an interfaith religious service.

The NPS Grand Opening celebration begins at 1:30 p.m. at the auditorium. The program will include remarks by dignitaries from the Japanese American community, the National Park Service, and political representatives, as well as a performance by Mary Nomura, the "Songbird of Manzanar." The hour-long ceremony will be followed by a performance of the Bishop Big Band performing popular music from the 1940s. Refreshments will be provided by the Lone Pine and Bishop Chambers of Commerce.

On Friday, April 23, the Eastern California Museum and the Independence Chamber of Commerce will host a reception from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Eastern California Museum in Independence.

Manzanar National Historic Site was established in 1992 to provide for the protection and interpretation of the site's historical, cultural and natural resources. The site is located 6 miles south of Independence, 9 miles north of Lone Pine; approximately 230 miles northeast of Los Angeles, off U.S. Hwy 395. For further information, please call (760) 878-2932 or 878-2194. Visit our website at www.nps.gov/manz.