Manzanar’s award-winning public archeology program provides exceptional opportunities to learn about the past and help preserve the site and its stories for the future. From March 25 through 30, volunteers have the unique opportunity to assist the National Park Service in uncovering and stabilizing Manzanar’s historic administration and staff housing area.
Participants will learn about both the common and contrasting experiences of camp staff and incarcerees as well as the differences between Japanese landscaping aesthetics and “western” military-style landscaping.
Volunteer positions are available to anyone age 15 and over who is physically able to work outdoors in moderately strenuous activities. Volunteers will be digging with shovels and small hand tools, cutting and loading brush, using wheelbarrows, collecting rocks to reconstruct landscape features, painting rock alignments, and occasionally screening sediments to retrieve artifacts.
Previous archeological experience is helpful, but not necessary. All volunteers need is an interest in history and a willingness to get dirty.
The work will be conducted outdoors, regardless of weather, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, including weekends. Volunteers may work any number of days or hours, but a full day or multiple days are preferred. Bring water, lunch, and work gloves, and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy boots. Advance sign-up is required. Contact Cultural Resources Manager Jeff Burton at (760) 878-2194, ext. 3305 or jeff_burton@nps.gov.
Manzanar National Historic Site is located is located at 5001 Hwy. 395, six miles south of Independence. Learn more by going online to www.nps.gov/manz or www.facebook.com/ManzanarNationalHistoricSite.