The Chandler Museum revives "Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River," a deep dive into the local narrative of the Gila River Internment Camp. This camp was once the undesired home for over 16,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. According to the exhibit details released by the museum, "Gaman" signifies the Japanese principle of enduring the intolerable with patience and dignity, a trait exemplified by the interned citizens in the face of loss and uncertainty.
Chandler Museum Administrator Jody Crago provided insight into the resolute spirit of those who were incarcerated, detailing that despite being detained by their own country in times of conflict, they cultivated a semblance of normal life. "They worked at jobs, organized schools and community events, created art, personalized their living quarters, made furniture, created baseball leagues," Crago told the Chandler Museum's press release.
Emphasizing the power of personal narratives, Museum Curator Kristine Clark reveals that the exhibition isn't just about overwhelming figures but about bringing individual stories to light. "While a number like 16,655 can feel so overwhelming, the exhibition includes excerpts from oral histories to help bring individuals’ stories to the forefront. It’s powerful to read about this history in the words of those who lived it," Clark explained in her statement to the Chandler Museum.
Tied to the exhibition is a range of public programs, with the museum highlighting "Baseball Behind Barbed Wire," a presentation by Bill Staples, Jr., on May 3. Walking all students in grades 4-12 through a historical journey, the museum also partners with the Japanese American Citizens League – Arizona Chapter (JACL-AZ) for an essay contest running through April 30. In search of more specifics? Wade through the details available at the JACL-AZ Essay Challenge.
"Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River" graces the Chandler Museum from now until January 26, 2026. Nestled at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, the museum opens its doors Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays from 1:00-5:00 p.m., and closes on Mondays, with no charge for admission.
