Topaz: Japanese Internment in America

Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology looks at the history of the World War II internment camp Topaz in its next Saturdays at the Museum program.

“Topaz: Japanese Internment in America” is offered April 16 at the museum and features lectures by Jane Beckwith, director of the Topaz Museum. She speaks at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m., discussing the history of Topaz, the people imprisoned there and the artwork created by the internees.

Displays of artifacts and some art will be displayed. Visitors can participate in creating Japanese lanterns and a “what to pack” activity.

“Topaz was such a dark time in American History,” said program coordinator Melissa Allen. “The museum is honored to share this experience with the public.”

Community members, as well as Utah State students, can visit the museum during its operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Children are encouraged to attend the Saturdays at the Museum events offered weekly. Activities relate to the day’s offering and are designed with children in mind. Funding for the Saturday events is provided by a grant from the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

For more information about this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website.

The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU.

Related links:

• USU Anthropology Program 
• USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: Museum of Anthropology

Contact: USU Museum of Anthropology, (435) 797-7545, anthro.museum@usu.edu