Photographs of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima Bombing Aftermath, approximately 1941-1945

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Summary

Title:
Photographs of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombing aftermath
Dates:
approximately 1941-1945
Abstract:
Contains nine photographs of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombing aftermath.
Extent:
0.79 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Photographs of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombing aftermath, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

These nine photographs show the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan by the United States. The images depict the ruins of a torpedo plant, medical college, and Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce Building with detailed captions stamped on the versos that identify landmarks, viewpoints, and markers within the photographs. Also included is a photograph of U.S. Navy officers enjoying a Christmas dinner aboard the USS Albemarle, which was undergoing repairs in Norfolk, Virginia at the time of the bombings. The photographer of all these images is unknown.

Biographical / historical:

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima and instantly killed as many as 70,000 people. President Harry Truman threatened future bombings if Japan did not surrender unconditionally. The United States dropped another atomic bomb over Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, killing another 35,00 to 40,000 people. By the end of 1945, the death toll rose to approximately 210,000 people across both cities. The bombings reduced five square miles of the Hiroshima city center and over two square miles of the Nagasaki city center to ashes. Survivors were left with life-long medical problems due to the atomic blasts and exposure to radiation. On August 15, Emperor Hirohito announced his acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and Japan officially surrendered on September 2, 1945.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Florence Klein, November 2025.
Processing information:

Processed at the time of accessioning by Kahlee Leingang in June 2026.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Kahlee Leingang
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-06-10 15:27:16 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Photographs of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombing aftermath, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2129
reference@huntington.org
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