Education at Manzanar, Block 16

Kango Takamura painting of students at Manzanar

Kango Takamura

Quick Facts

Location:

central part of Manzanar

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

“We are building for tomorrow for a strong and active life.

Not for fame or gold to borrow nor to wage a war of strife…

Forward! Forward! Forward for America!”
Words of the Manzanar School Song as remembered by Victor Muraoka

While more than 2,300 children from over 200 schools came to Manzanar, no plans were initially in place for their education. With children “running wild,” parents and incarcerated teachers organized nursery school and other classes. In June 1942, Dr. Genevieve Carter of UC Berkeley was hired as Manzanar’s Superintendent of Education.

As the task of creating a state-accredited school system got under way, elementary classes were held in recreation halls throughout the camp, while the high school took over barracks in Block 7. All initially lacked furniture, textbooks, and supplies. In May 1944, the barracks here in Block 16 were converted to an elementary school for 700 children.

Teacher recruitment and retention was difficult given Manzanar’s isolation, relatively low pay, and daunting challenges, but some teachers asked to come and quite a few chose to remain. Moved by so many children uprooted from normal life, most dedicated themselves to bringing hope for a better future while promoting a “better understanding” of American ideals and institutions. Thousands of adults also attended classes, ranging from English and “Americanization” to auto mechanics and agriculture.

To see silent images of the schools and students of Manzanar, click here.