Artifact Archive

This week in 1942, President Roosevelt signed E.O. 9066 authorizing the internment of people of Japanese descent. The majority of those arrested were given six days to dispose of belongings they couldn't carry, then transported to camps around the U.S. Most were American citizens. Petersburg Press reported "all modern conveniences are installed" in camps, though internees discovered that was a generous description. Taken in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this photo shows Alaskans arrested from Juneau to Ketchikan, including members of the Osawa, Sakamoto, Kito, Sugata, Komatsubara, Okegawa, Oyama, Yokoyama and Kaino families of Petersburg. Donated to the Museum by Amelia and Sam Kito. Information and photos for this column are provided by the Clausen Memorial Museum.