NPS Photo

Made by Japanese Americans at all ten camps, bird pins are the most ubiquitous craft item from the World War II internment camps. Pins were worn, given as gifts, sold, and kept as poignant relics of the incarceration experience.

Bird pins are one of many artifacts in the Manzanar Collection. These and other items offer a glimpse into life in camp. Furniture, clothing, utensils, cemetery offerings, and other tangible resources enrich our knowledge and our ability to tell the stories of people who lived at Manzanar.

If you have questions about our collection or are interested in making a donation, please contact our Park Curator, Mark Hachtmann, at 760-878-2194, ext. 2715.