Manzanar National Historic Site

This auditorium is one of three original buildings remaining here from Manzanar War Relocation Center. As you walk closer, listen for laughter, tears , music—the sounds of celebration and sadness that once echoed through this building's cavernous space. They linger in the stories you will hear inside, of those who worked and played here over many decades: internees, War Relocation

In just five months, internee carpenters transformed standard government blueprints into a community auditorium for more than 5,000 people still confined here in June 1944.

With a stage, locker rooms, and projection booth, the 14,000 sq. ft. building changed the way Manzanar gathered. Concerts, lectures, Japanese Americans cultural activities and physical education classes filled its calendar—-and often its 1,280-seat capacity. Tickets for dances, talent shows, and movie nights were 5 cents for children, 25 cents for adults, 50 cents for camp staff and "everyone else."

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Mexico, CA  |  Inyo County  |  65265  |  California  |  United States of America

Manzanar
Weaving for the War
Legacy
Sacred Space
Alabama Gates
Kearsarge Station
Edwards House
Mary Austin's Home
Putnam's Stone Cabin
Inyo County Courthouse

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.