Due to budget and staffing constraints, Manzanar National Historic Site’s Interpretive Center will remain on shorter “winter” hours (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily) throughout 2013.
In years past, the center remained open an extra hour a day from April 1 through Oct. 31.
“As with the other federal entities in the Eastern Sierra, we have been impacted by mandatory budget cuts and hiring freezes,” said Superintendent Les Inafuku. “Manzanar's vacant positions include park rangers, maintenance workers, and an administrative assistant, and we will face a long delay in bringing new co-workers on board. Each member of our staff remains committed to preserving this site and sharing its stories.”
The Interpretive Center features 8,000 square feet of exhibits, an award-winning introductory film, and a bookstore operated by the non-profit Manzanar History Association. Additional buildings open to the public include a restored World War II-era mess hall and two reconstructed barracks.
Depending on the final budget outcome, Manzanar may also need to reduce the number of programs offered to students, tour groups, and other visitors this summer. However, a self-guided tour is available any time during daylight hours.
To learn more about Manzanar, visit www.nps.gov/manz or call (760) 878-2194, ext. 3310. Manzanar is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ManzanarNationalHistoricSite.