Minidoka National Historic Site

Today, we’re reflecting on a powerful chapter in American history at Minidoka National Historic Site, located in southern Idaho. This site preserves the memory of one of ten incarceration camps where over 13,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned during World War II following Executive Order 9066. From 1942 to 1945, families—many U.S. citizens—were forcibly removed from their homes and held at Minidoka under harsh and often dehumanizing conditions. Despite these challenges, the incarcerees built a resilient community, with schools, farms, and even a newspaper. Minidoka is now a place of remembrance and education, known for its preserved structures, honor roll of Japanese American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army, and annual pilgrimages by survivors and their descendants. The site serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of wartime fear and racial prejudice, urging us to uphold civil liberties and human dignity—especially in times of crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.