On Februrary 15, 2024, Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland formally established Amache National Historic Site in Colorado. The park was authorized by the Amache National Historic Site Act signed by President Biden in March of 2022. The law enabled the National Park Service to work with the Town of Granada and other partners to aquire the land necessary for the official establishment of the park.
However, the road to becoming a National Historic Site started long before 2022 and involved the work of many dedicated stakeholders. The Amache Preservation Society has acted as the caretaker, steward, and advocate of the site’s preservation and history since the organization was created in the 1990s and continues to support the site and preserve historic documents and artifacts at the nearby Amache Museum in Granada. The University of Denver’s long-standing archeological field schools and community archeology programs have enhanced the understanding of life at Amache and inspired stewardship of the resource. The 21st century reconstruction and restoration efforts of Colorado Preservation Inc. and national preservation organizations, as well as the work of Amache-focused organizations, including the Amache Historical Society, Friends of Amache, Amache Club (formerly the Denver Central Optimist Club), Nikkeijin Kai of Colorado, the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado, and the Amache Alliance, have recognized the potential of the historic site. They have improved conditions at the site, increased public awareness of Japanese American World War II incarceration history, provided technical expertise, and shaped the understanding and interpretation of Amache.
Amache National Historic Site hosts quarterly stakeholder meetings. If you are interested in taking part, please e-mail us.
