Donald H. Estes (1936-2005) was a San Diego based historian and educator who wrote and taught about the Japanese American experience in Southern California and the nation. The bulk of his Papers contain his research files for his many books and articles, his writings, and the the sources he collected from the Japanese American community in order to document their internment during World War II. Other papers include Issei and Nisei oral history interview transcripts, papers reflecting Estes' service to the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), research and documentation of California's Alien Land Laws, and a range of unique primary source materials pertinent to the study of Japanese and Japanese Americans in San Diego and California.

Donald Hamilton Estes was born in Nebraska in 1936. He and his family moved to the San Diego North Park neighborhood in 1939. He entered San Diego City College in 1954, and completed BA and Masters degrees from San Diego State University by 1966.

6 linear feet

The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary property.

The collection is open for research.