Meet Ryley Brown, Minidoka National Historic Site’s Newest Staff Member!

We are thrilled to welcome Ryley Brown to the NPS team. Ryley brings years of teaching experience and expertise to the Minidoka Interpretation and Education team. Ryley will be a huge asset as Minidoka NHS and Friends of Minidoka expands our efforts to train educators on how to teach about the lessons and legacy of incarceration at Minidoka.

1. When did you first start working for the National Park Service?

This is my first job with the National Parks Service. I started in early July during the Pilgrimage. Prior to this I was a Middle School Teacher.

2. What is your position title and what are your responsibilities in this role?

I am the Education Technician at Minidoka. I focus on hosting field trips for school groups, and I help educators teach about Minidoka and Japanese American incarceration during WW2.

3. What is your favorite memory, so far, about working at Minidoka National Historic Site?

Even though I’ve only been here for a couple months, I’ve already had the privilege to meet many amazing people and hear moving stories; it is hard to choose just one memory.

But, I often think about the first time I helped a descendant locate the block in which her

grandparents were incarcerated. It was her first visit to the site. Her grandparents said very little about their time at Minidoka, but she knew that her grandparents met at camp. We found out that her grandparents both lived in block 19 – and most likely met there. There is still a barrack standing in block 19, so it’s easy to point out. After giving her family a tour and talking with them, she expressed that while it made her sad and angry to find out what her grandparents went through, she was glad to find out more about them; to hear about a chapter in her grandparents’ life that was too painful for them to talk about themselves.

When I accepted this job, I knew that the story of Minidoka would function as a cautionary tale. It’s a place where visitors learn about a dark chapter in American History and leave admonished to never let it happen again. But, when I talked to that descendant I realized that Minidoka is also a place that people can come to heal – that’s my favorite part of working at Minidoka National Historic Site.

4. What is something surprising about yourself that most people don’t know?

After high school, I spent 9 months in the Limpopo Region of South Africa.

5. What are some activities you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, hiking, and being outdoors. When I’m not outside, I’m usually watching documentaries or reading.