Civil Liberties in Times of Crisis: The Japanese Americans Experience

2022 JACL NEH Landmarks | Program Details | Application Details | Program Staff, Faculty, and Speakers | Housing/FAQs | Apply!

Housing

Participants will be housed a the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo under a group room rate. Past participants gave excellent review for these accommodations! Participants will have the choice of staying by themselves or with a roommate for the duration of the program. We will also provide additional options for other accommodations as the program gets closer. Please check back later for more information!

FAQs

When will this NEH Landmarks program be held?

This one-week workshop will be held at two different points during the Summer of 2022. Session 1 will take place from June 19 through 24, 2022. Session 2 will take place July 10 through 15, 2022. Participants arrive on the Sunday prior to formal programming and depart on Friday afternoon/evening.

What items should I bring?

NEH Summer Scholars should bring additional toiletries such as shampoo, etc. We also encourage scholars to bring a laptop or tablet as we do not have computers for your use. As well as clothes for summer weather, including possible temperatures of over 100 degrees! (see below)

What meals can I expect?

Meals for a majority of the program will be up to participants with the exception of a few meals throughout the program. We will provide an updated schedule of meals closer to the program's start. A number of restaurants - from fast-casual to casual dining, to fine dining are within or in proximity to lodging in Little Tokyo.

What is Little Tokyo like?

The Little Tokyo neighborhood was established in 1882 and sits in the heart of downtown Los Angeles only a block from Los Angeles City Hall! The neighborhood has survived a number of hardships including both world wars, economic hardships, and gentrification. Today, it is home to a vibrant Japanese American community that is looking to reconnect to its roots and combine tradition with modernity, while also being distinctly Japanese American or Nikkei.

Being in the heart of downtown the neighborhood is busy and thriving. More information about Little Tokyo can be found through VisitLittleTokyo.Com.

What is the weather like?

In the summertime, weather in Los Angeles can be highly variable, especially between coastal and inland areas. We advise NEH Summer Scholars to bring some layered clothing (just in case!), sunscreen, and hats and to be prepared for changes in weather during our field visits. Summer temperatures average around the 80s but can often climb into the 90s and 100s! This will be especially present during the trip to Manzanar which is situated in the Owen’s Valley and is a dessert, so expect this day to be well into the 100s!

What kind of footwear should I bring?

Comfortable footwear is recommended for most days as we will be in the museum and won’t be doing much walking. However during field trip days, to Santa Anita Park and Manzanar National Historic Site, we recommend good walking shoes that can handle some heat if it gets warm!

How do I get around once I arrive?

Los Angeles International airport is serviced by LA Metro as well as the Metro LAX Fly-Away Bus. The LAX Fly-Away Bus is one of the best options as it travels directly from LAX to Union Station which is situated just next to Little Tokyo! To learn more about LA Metro and transit, go to Metro.net. Uber and Lyft are also options, however, they have been extremely expensive in recent months! Detailed travel information will be sent to confirmed applicants.

Note: We strongly advise against bringing a car to these workshops. You will not need one for the workshop and we will provide transportation during field trip days.  Participants who must bring a car are responsible for making parking arrangements.

Can I receive course credit or credit hours for the workshop?

While we will be providing a certificate of completion following the end of the program, we, unfortunately, will not be giving course credits or credit hours for this program.

Do I need prior knowledge of the Japanese American Incarceration to participate?

No! We are looking for teachers and educators who wish to share the history of the Japanese American Incarceration with others. Regardless if you have studied it for years, had family members who were incarcerated, or are learning about it for the first time, all we ask is that you have a passion to teach this period and history with others.

Have more questions? Write us at neh2022@jacl.org!