Japanese American Project

Share Your Story With Us

The incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II is a tragic but important part of our nation's history.

In the early 1900s, Japanese and Japanese-American families settled in the city of Anaheim, establishing farms and businesses. Their children attended elementary schools and Anaheim High School.

Sadly, in 1942, these families were forcibly moved to the Poston Relocation Camp in Arizona and incarcerated there until the end of World War II.

Anaheim is gathering the stories of these Anaheim families and their experiences before, during and after their incarceration. 

We are also interested in the stories of Japanese-Americans who were incarcerated in other relocation camps or participated in voluntary resettlement and later chose Anaheim as their new home following their release in 1945.  

Below are links to questionnaires for Japanese-American residents who are interested in participating in this project. You can return completed forms Anaheim Public Library’s Heritage Center.

Poston Relocation Camp
Other Relocation Camps