Hirasaki National Resource Center Public Services
Reference | Research | Reproduction and Licensing
Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Friday, by appointment only
Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM – 3 PM
*As of March 6, 2012 the Hirasaki National Resource Center will be open:
Tuesday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Closed: Wednesday & Friday
Reference Services
Effective immediately, the Hirasaki National Resource Center (HNRC) will not be accepting general research requests until January 1, 2014. This moratorium will allow us to respond to our backlog of requests and will allow us to improve the way we research and respond to requests in the future. Specific requests will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. These are as follows:
- Researchers asking to view specific items from our permanent collection (by special appointment only)
- Licensing still or moving images
- Copies of camp and immigration records
These questions can be directed to:
Hirasaki National Resource Center Reference
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Email: hnrc@janm.org
Telephone: 213.830.5680
Fax: 213.830.5697
Please include your name, telephone number, email address, and a detailed description of your request. All requests will be responded to in the order they are received. Response time is from 4 to 6 weeks based on staff availability.
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions pages—your questions might be answered here! Download the FAQ (PDF) >>
General Services
The genealogical resources of the Hirasaki National Resource Center include World War II camp records, immigration record indices, and the Japanese American Military Experience database. Volunteers at the Resource Center are available to assist with these resources on a walk-in basis.
Visitors to the Hirasaki National Resource Center may use its library collection of secondary published materials at any time during the Center’s open hours. All library materials are non-circulating. The Resource Center provides VCRs and DVD players for on-site viewing as well as desks and reading spaces. Self-service photocopying is available as well.
Accessing the Permanent Collection
Access to the Japanese American National Museum’s permanent collection, including archival collections, original manuscripts, photographs, artifacts, and rare books is by special appointment only. All researchers must observe the following procedures:
- Prior to your visit, you must consult with reference staff to determine if relevant materials are in the collection and are available for viewing. The permanent collection of the Japanese American National Museum includes over 80,000 objects. There is no publicly accessible catalog for the entire collection.
- Appointments are arranged based on staff availability. Please contact the Hirasaki National Resource Center at least four weeks prior to your anticipated visit. Access to items from the permanent collection are not available on a walk-in basis.
- All researchers are required to pay the National Museum’s regular admission fee each visit. We encourage you to consider membership with the Japanese American National Museum if your research requires multiple visits. National Museum membership includes unlimited admission and other benefits.
- Archival Reading Room Rules
Please consult the following rules when accessing material from the collection: Permanent Collection Access (PDF) >>
Reproduction Services and Licensing Procedures
Photocopy Services
Researchers may make photocopies of secondary resources on the Hirasaki National Resource Center’s photocopier. Self-service photocopies from our microfilm holdings are also available. All archival materials from the permanent collection must be photocopied by staff. Refer to our Fee Schedule (PDF) for photocopying pricing.
Digital Reproductions
Digital reproductions are available in a range of formats and sizes. Please consult our Fee Schedule (PDF) for a detailed listing and price information.
All reproduction requests must be pre-paid. Rush orders may be accepted with a 100% surcharge, depending on staff availability.
Licensing Procedures
Images from the collection of the Japanese American National Museum may not be reproduced, distributed, or displayed without a completed license agreement and payment of the appropriate use fees. Use fees apply to one time use per image distributed in licensed format, unless otherwise authorized in the license agreement. For use fees based on circulation and format, please consult the following forms:
