Friends of Minidoka held an online presentation about Education and Freedom at Minidoka: The Diary of the Superintendent Arthur Kleinkopf. Published for the first time in its entirety, Kleinkopf's diary offers a rare, firsthand account of life within a World War II concentration camp. Staff shared stories and context alongside Kleinkopf’s observations about the daily realities, contradictions, and moral tensions of living and working inside the walls of the Minidoka concentra

Friends of Minidoka seeks to employ a part-time Philanthropy/Administrative Assistant to support philanthropic and administrative efforts and reports to the Executive Director. This hybrid position will allow the Philanthropy/Administrative Assistant to work in-person at the Boise office and remotely, and travel will be required for in-person meetings and events. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Use the Bloomerang database program to generate thank you acknowledgements f

On a couple of Saturdays each summer, the breezeway at the Minidoka National Historic Site visitor’s center buzzes with color and life - flowers, leaves, and branches in all shapes and sizes fill a table by the doors, alongside an assortment of empty vases and jars. All are welcome to come and look. Visitors of all ages and abilities are invited to step up and try their hand at selecting stems, trimming them down, and assembling them into their own unique ikebana creations. I

The Minidoka Irrigator | Issue 27 | July 2026 A Place of Honor On June 27, 2026, the City of Eden dedicated its new “A Place of Honor” memorial, a lasting tribute to local veterans. Years in the making, the memorial was the vision of Keith Huettig. During the planning process, Keith — a Vietnam veteran and member of the Eden American Legion — reached out to Friends of Minidoka to ensure the story of the Japanese American men and women from Minidoka who served during World

On June 27, 2026, the City of Eden dedicated its new “A Place of Honor” memorial, a lasting tribute to local veterans. Years in the making, the memorial was the vision of Keith Huettig. Keith Huettig in front of the "A Place of Honor" memorial in Eden City Park. Photo: Eric Goodell, Times-News During the planning process, Keith — a Vietnam veteran and member of the Eden American Legion — reached out to Friends of Minidoka to ensure the story of the Japanese American men and w

by Micah Hetherington, Program and Research Coordinator In 1989, Hana Masuda endeavored to publish her husband Minoru’s letters to her during his military service in the 442nd from 1943 to 1945. With help from the historian Dianne Bridgman, they selected 120 of his 220 letters, omitting only small portions (such as personal notes to Hana and perfunctory messages). Their work amounted to the book Letters from the 442nd: The World War II Correspondence of a Japanese American Me

The Minidoka Irrigator | Issue 26 | May/June 2026 Historic places matter. They are more than buildings and landscapes — they are keepers of memory, witnesses to history, and bridges between past and present. They help us understand who we are, where we have been, and the lessons we must carry forward. By walking where history happened, we connect with stories that inspire reflection, empathy, and action. Visitors to Minidoka National Historic Site often describe the profo

Brianna Bowhay’s Work Behind South Idaho's Biggest Park Projects by Friends of Minidoka Staff When visitors see a new facility under construction, an improved trail, upgraded utilities, or a restored historic structure, it is easy to assume the project simply appeared once funding became available. In reality, major park projects require years of planning, coordination, approvals, compliance reviews, contracting, and funding requests before construction can even begin. Behind