Japanese American archival collection ImageBase, ca. 1880-2003, bulk (bulk ca. 1910-1955)

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Summary

Creators:
Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives. Library. California State University, Sacramento.
Abstract:
The Japanese American Archival Collection is comprised of approximately 2,100 original items, including letters and other textual documents, photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, newsletters, art work, clothing and artifacts. The collection provides valuable insights into the history of Japanese American communities in northern California, particularly in the town of Florin, California from the late 19th century and into the 20th century. The collection contains significant documentation related to the internment of Japanese born and Japanese American individuals during World War II.
Extent:
ca. 2,100 items (180 lin. ft.) 1,357 online items
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English Japanese
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Japanese American Archival Collection. Department of Special Collections and University Archives. Library, California State University, Sacramento.

Background

Scope and content:

The Japanese American Archival Collection is comprised of approximately 2,100 original items, including letters and other textual documents, photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, newsletters, art work, clothing and artifacts. The collection provides valuable insights into the history of Japanese American communities in northern California, particularly in the town of Florin, California from the late 19th century and into the 20th century. The collection contains significant documentation related to the internment of Japanese born and Japanese American individuals during World War II.

The Japanese American Archival Collection was established in 1994, with the donation of personal papers and teaching materials from Mary Tsukamoto (1915-1998), a prominent Sacramento educator and redress activist. Interned at Jerome Concentration Camp with her family during World War II, Ms. Tsukamoto brought the history of Japanese American exclusion and incarceration into school classrooms and to community groups, using portable exhibit boards to illustrate her presentations. Through images, letters, stories, and crafts or clothing, Ms. Tsukamoto told the story of racial injustice, loss of civil liberties, and the patriotism of Japanese born and Japanese Americans who were interned in American concentration camps during World War II and engaged her audiences in discussion about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Tsukamoto papers have been enhanced by donations over the years from nearly 300 individuals and groups, such as the VFW Nisei Post 8985.

Acquisition information:
Multiple sources of acquisition, primarily through donations from individuals and organizations.
Processing information:

The image database and metadata were created as part of a project funded by a grant from the Library Systems and Technology Act from October 2003 through July 2004. This project was intended to provide a searchable database of selected photographs and images of three-dimensional items and other artifacts regarding the Japanese-American community in the Sacramento with an emphasis on the World War II incarceration and exclusion. The primary goal of the project was to make this collection available to a broader community so that researchers and teachers can use the materials remotely and integrate the images and information into their research and teaching endeavors. For more detailed project information, please see the website for the project: http://digital.lib.csus.edu/jaac

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Center's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The California State University, Sacramento Library is the owner of the physical items but may or may not own copyright for the items. In all cases, requests for permission to publish or reproduce must be made in writing to: the Head, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Library, California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA 95819-6039.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Japanese American Archival Collection. Department of Special Collections and University Archives. Library, California State University, Sacramento.

Location of this collection:
University Library, MS 6039
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819, US
Contact:
916-278-6144
lib-scua@csus.edu
Website