Japanese American Incarceration Era Collection -- Resettlement
Resettlement
With the end of the war in sight, incarcerated Japanese Americans were faced with important life decisions. Many of their possessions, businesses, and houses were lost when they were forced from their communities. Instead of returning to their pre-war lifestyles, some detainees resettled in other areas of the country. Residual prejudice, competitive job markets, and the flood of returning veterans made rebuilding lives even more difficult.
Once released, Japanese Americans began to pursue monetary compensation from the government for the material losses they sustained during their detainment. This resulted in the Evacuation Claims Act of 1948, which paid a paltry sum of less than ten cents on the dollar. Further recompense would not happen until the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was signed into law and offered an Apology from the nation and $20,000 each to former detainees.
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Poster, "Lets Relocate to Illinois
- Description
- This poster, made by Yoshio Makamura, was a school project in camp. "The second semester each student decided on the town in which he wished to resettle, and we set up a community survey of this locality and state. Using a Russell Sage publication, "Your Community" by Joanna Colcord, they sent for materials (writing model letters), did primary and secondary research, and wrote a term paper in college manuscript form summing up their results. At a recent reunion, there was amusement as alumni recounted that they had arrived at their chose resettlement destinations knowing more than the natives."-Eleanor Gerard Sekerak, a Teacher at Topaz
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1943-1945
- maker
- Nakamura, Yoshio
- ID Number
- 1986.3144.39
- catalog number
- 1986.3144.39
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3144
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Compromise Settlement
- Description
- This Compromise Settlement Award Sheet was the result of the Japanese American Evacuation Claims Act of July 2, 1948. This legislative measure was enacted to compensate the Japanese American citizens that were forcefully removed from their homes and lost most, if not all, of their property.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1952-02-13
- ID Number
- 1986.3128.05
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3128
- catalog number
- 1986.3128.05
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
