Nisei Trials: 80 Years Photo Gallery

In September 1944, thirty-seven Japanese Americans unconstitutionally incarcerated at the Minidoka Relocation Center appeared in Federal Court in Boise for violating the Selective Service Act.

In September 2024, Friends of Minidoka, Minidoka National Historic Site, and our community partners, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Minidoka draft resisters’ trials in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. Programming included Distinguished Lectures with Frank Abe and Eric Muller, lunch with College of Idaho students, a reception with University of Idaho College of Law students and community members, a visit to Minidoka National Historic Site. We also had an incredible run of the Nisei Paradox stage production written by Jeff Thomson and researched by Ron Bush with a cast of 7 actors who volunteered their time for these performances. We also had a special tour of Museum of Idaho and viewing of our Nisei Trials: 80 Years — Remembering the Minidoka Draft Resisters exhibit with items on loan from Minidoka National Historic Site, which is on display through early 2025.

We are truly grateful to our presenters, stage production cast, commmunity partners and supporters who contributed to this month of commemoration dedicated to the lessons and legacy of the Minidoka draft resisters.