SE Valley Times

The Chandler Museum in Arizona has reintroduced the exhibit "Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River," which explores the history of the Gila River Internment Camp. This updated version revisits an earlier exhibition that was displayed from January 2019 to March 2020.

During World War II, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated, with more than 16,000 interned at the Gila River Camp near Chandler. The exhibit focuses on how these individuals embraced "gaman," a Japanese concept of enduring hardship with patience and dignity. Visitors can explore photographs, personal stories, names of those incarcerated, and community-contributed paper cranes.

Chandler Museum Administrator Jody Crago highlights that "the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated at this camp embraced gaman," as they engaged in various activities such as working jobs, organizing schools and events, creating art and furniture, forming baseball leagues, and maintaining some semblance of normalcy during their internment.

Museum Curator Kristine Clark adds that "while a number like 16,655 can feel so overwhelming," the exhibition brings individual stories to light through oral histories. She emphasizes its power by stating it's impactful to read about this history from those who experienced it firsthand.

The museum is also hosting related programs like "Baseball Behind Barbed Wire" presented by Bill Staples Jr., scheduled for May 3. Additionally, an essay contest organized with the Japanese American Citizens League – Arizona Chapter is open to students in grades 4-12 until April 30.

"Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River" will be available for viewing until January 26, 2026. The Chandler Museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive and operates Tuesday through Sunday with free admission.

Further details about exhibitions and programming are available on the Chandler Museum website or by calling their contact number.