EASTERN SIERRA INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT LIMITED VISITOR SERVICES AT MANZANAR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Manzanar National Historic Site’s non-profit partner Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) has generously donated funds to the National Park Service to allow a limited reopening of the Manzanar Visitor Center and Block 14 exhibits.

“As Americans we can’t forget about the 800,000 Federal employees personally affected by the Federal government shutdown. We must also realize the communities in which those Federal employees work are experiencing tremendous financial impacts as well,” said Jeff Gabriel, executive director for ESIA.  Jeff added, “When the chance for us to help our Federal agency partner during the Federal government shutdown to open for a very limited time Manzanar we were more than willing to help.”

Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association’s mission is to “educate and inspire people about Eastern Sierra public lands through high quality interpretive products, exhibits, and programs.” Superintendent Bernadette Johnson noted, “We are very appreciative of our partnership with ESIA and their support to allow us to resume weekend operations at Manzanar.”

During the lapse in Federal appropriations, ESIA’s donation allows the visitor center and bookstore to resume regular hours of 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (9:00 am to 4:15 pm for Block 14 buildings) for Friday, January 18 through Monday, January 21 and Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27 only. The visitor center features extensive permanent exhibits and a 22-minute introductory film, Remembering Manzanar. Block 14 includes a World War II-era mess hall and two reconstructed barracks and a latrine which interpret the challenges of daily life.All other days during the lapse in Federal appropriations, the site will revert to its current shutdown status. Exterior exhibits including fire station, rock gardens and ponds, orchard and cemetery along with the park’s 3.2 mile auto tour road, walking trails and parking lots remain accessible to the public. There are no restrooms facilities, water, or trash service.

Please do your part to preserve Manzanar: do not disturb or collect anything and keep your vehicle on the designated tour road and pull-outs.