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Virtual Visits

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Connect with JANM Virtually

Virtual visits use video conferencing technology to engage visitors and students in conversations surrounding JANM’s collections. These visits offer a new way to make sure that the important lessons of history are not forgotten.

Virtual visits must be booked a minimum of three weeks in advance. Virtual visits for grades 4–12 require pre-work with suggested time spent on the content in advance of the facilitated live experience. Pre-visit curriculum is vital in ensuring that the live video-conferencing session is spent on meaningful dialogue. Pre-work is designed to be completed either independently by students, or as a teacher-led lesson. Completion of a facilitated virtual visit reserved via the Education Unit is required in order to book a Q&A session with a first-person survivor of incarceration.

Higher education and adult groups can also book a virtual visit in English or Japanese. The presentations explore the Japanese American experience from the 1860s through the post-war era and can be tailored to particular areas of interest for students, seniors, and other groups. Companies can book a virtual visit for multicultural awareness or as part of their diversity and inclusion training.

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Planning your visit

Plan a virtual visit to JANM to explore stories about the Japanese American experience.

Policies and Info

FAQ

Have questions? Here are answers to the most common inquiries.

View FAQ

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to qualifying schools and groups while funds last.

Learn more

Virtual visits must be booked three weeks in advance.

Calendar of available dates

Download pricing sheet

Please note that availability, pricing, requirements, and options are subject to change.

If you have any questions, please email us at groupvisits@janm.org. We are happy to help you!

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Available Tours

Community and Culture: Grades 1-3 | 45 mins | Up to 60 participants (click for details)

Includes: Origami Tutorial, Introduction to Taiko, Storytelling

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Available Monday-Friday with one morning and one afternoon availability each day

Origami Tutorial

A live origami tutorial that can easily be done with paper and materials found at home.

Introduction to Taiko

An introduction to taiko, the art of Japanese drumming.

Storytelling

A live and engaging retelling of a traditional Japanese folktale.

California Content Standards Alignments:
CA HSS Content Standards: 1.5, 2.1, 3.3
CA HSS Analysis Skills (K-5): Chronological and Spatial Thinking 3; Research, Evidence, and Point of View 2
CA VAPA Content Standards: 1.MU:Pr6a, 1.MU:Pr6b, 2.MU:Pr6a, 2.MU:Pr6b, 3.MU:Pr6b, 1-3MU:Cn11
CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy: SL.1.1-4, 2.1-3, 3.1-3; RL.1.2-3, 1.7, 2.2-3, 2.7, 3.2-3, 3.7

Not in California?
JANM virtual visits help students build a more inclusive understanding of American history, culture, and society while practicing important historical thinking and 21st century skills. This virtual visit option also aligns to the following Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA-Literacy): SL.1.1-4, 2.1-3, 3.1-3; RL.1.2-3, 1.7, 2.2-3, 2.7, 3.2-3, 3.7

Let Curiosity Guide You: Grades 4-6 | 45 mins | Up to 60 participants (click for details)

Includes: Virtual Facilitated Discussion

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Available Monday-Friday with one morning and one afternoon availability each day

Virtual Facilitated Discussion

This facilitated exploration of key artifacts, images, and documents from JANM’s on-going exhibition Common Ground: The Heart of Community provides students the opportunity to learn about and react to Japanese American history while honing critical thinking skills and engaging (verbally and non-verbally) in facilitated virtual discussion.

California Content Standards Alignments:
CA HSS Content Standards: 4.4, 4.5.1, 5.7
CA HSS Analysis Skills (K-5): Chronological and Spatial Thinking 3; Research, Evidence, and Point of View 2
CA HSS Analysis Skills (6-8): Chronological and Spatial Thinking 1; Research, Evidence, and Point of View 1; Historical Interpretation 1, 2, 4
CA VAPA Content Standards: 5.VA:Pr6, 6.VA:Pr6
CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy: SL.4.1, 5.1, 6.1

Not in California?
JANM virtual visits help students build a more inclusive understanding of American history, society, and democracy while practicing important historical thinking and 21st century skills. This virtual visit option also aligns to the following Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA-Literacy): SL.4.1, 5.1, 6.1

The “Stuff” of History: Grades 7-12 | 45 mins | Up to 60 participants (click for details)

Includes: Virtual Facilitated Discussion

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Available Monday-Friday with one morning and one afternoon availability each day

Virtual Facilitated Discussion

California Content Standards Alignments:
CA HSS Content Standards: 8.2.6, 8.12.7, 10.3.4, 10.8, 11.7, 11.11.2, PAD 12.10
CA HSS Analysis Skills (6-8): Research, Evidence, and Point of View 4; Historical Interpretation 1
CA HSS Analysis Skills (9-12): Chronological and Spatial Thinking 1; Historical Research, Evidence, and Point of View 4; Historical Interpretation 1, 3, 4
CA VAPA Content Standards: Prof.VA:Pr6
CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy: SL.7.1-7.2, 7.4, 8.1, 8.4, 9-10.1, 9-10.4, 11-12.1, 11-12.4; RH.6-8.2, 9-10.2, 11-12.2, 11-12.9

Through the Eyes of an Artist: Life in Camp: Grades 9-12 | 45 minutes | Up to 60 participants (click for details)

Includes: Art Discussion

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Available Monday–Friday with one morning and one afternoon availability each day.

Art Discussion

Explore JANM’s collection of fine art to examine four (4) pieces of art which depict the diverse experiences of life within America’s concentration camps. Through observation and discussion students will gain understanding, empathy and critical interpretation skills.

Please make sure students are prepared with a piece of paper and a marker or pencil for sketching.

California Content Standards Alignments:
CA HSS Content Standards: 10.8, 11.7
CA HSS Analysis Skills (9-12): Chronological and Spatial Thinking 1; Historical Research, Evidence, and Point of View 4; Historical Interpretation 1, 3, 4
CA Arts Standards: Prof.VA:Pr6, Acc.VA:Pr6, Prof.VA:Re7.1, Adv.VA:Re7.1, Acc.VA:Re7.2, Adv.VA:Re7.2, Prof.VA:Re8, Acc.VA:Re8, Adv.VA:Re8
CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy: SL.9-10.1, 9-10.4, 11-12.1, 11-12.4; RH.9-10.2, 9-10.6, 9-10.9, 11-12.2, 11-12.6, 11-12.9

Virtual Visit add-on: Grades 4-12 | 20 min | Up to 60 participants (click to expand)

Includes: First Person Q&A

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First Person Q&A

Using a virtual video/audio conferencing platform, speak to a survivor of America’s concentration camps and gain insight into the first-hand experience of living through history. Trained docents and facilitators who lived through World War II will engage with your group to provide a rare, first-person glimpse this critical era of American history. Offered depending on speaker availability.

Virtual Visit for College / Adult / Seniors: | 60 min | Up to 60 participants (click for details)

Includes: “Common Ground” Highlights

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Available Monday-Friday with one morning and one afternoon availability each day

“Common Ground” Highlights

A virtual visit for college, adult, and senior groups with the Japanese American National Museum’s on-going exhibition Common Ground: The Heart of Community. This object-based guided visual presentation will chronologically explore the Japanese American experience from the 1860s through the post-war era. For the best experience, please provide particular areas of interest while booking.

Virtual Visit for College / Adult / Seniors in Japanese: | 70 min | Up to 60 participants (click for details)

Includes: “Common Ground” Highlights in Japanese

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Available Monday–Friday with limited availability

“Common Ground” Highlights in Japanese

A virtual visit presented in Japanese for college, adult, and senior groups with the Japanese American National Museum’s on-going exhibition Common Ground: The Heart of Community. This object-based guided visual presentation will chronologically explore the Japanese American experience from the 1860s through the post-war era.

Virtual Visits’ Policies and Information

Hours and Pricing

Virtual visits are available Monday–Friday with one morning availability and one afternoon availability each day. Virtual visits run 45–60 minutes and include non-customized content as well as live, structured facilitation. Prices for virtual visits are applicable for all ages. Please see below for information about financial assistance for Title I schools.

Group size	Price
10-30 participants	$125
31-60 participants	$250
61-100 participants	$500

A 20-min Q&A with a first-person camp survivor is available ($50 additional fee). This is not available as a stand-alone program and must be booked in conjunction with a virtual visit. To inquire about pricing for customized content and professional development please email groupvisits@janm.org. Prices are subject to change.

Download pricing sheet

Payment

Full payment for your virtual visit is due one week prior to the date of the visit. Checks and credit card payment are accepted. JANM cannot accept purchase orders or cash for payment at this time.

Virtual Visit Pricing and Refund Information

We understand that it can be difficult to estimate the exact number of participants for a virtual visit. Please review our price tier chart before making a reservation. And please note:

If your actual group size is smaller than your reservation price tier, we can only issue a refund before your virtual visit starts. (Sorry, no refunds after the virtual visit.)
If your actual group size is larger than your reservation price tier, then we will apply the correct higher price tier fees after your visit.

Financial Assistance: Grants for School Groups

JANM’s Bid for Education is a fundraising initiative that helps cover virtual visit fees for Title I schools and groups with demonstrated financial need. These grants are for groups who make advance reservations scheduled through the Education Unit and are available on a first come, first served basis. Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants to qualify.

Learn more

Chaperones

We require at least one teacher or supervising adult to be online with students during virtual visits.

Cancellations and Late Arrivals

Cancellations up to 14 days prior to the virtual visit are eligible for a full refund. After that, JANM is unable to issue a refund. Late arrivals into a virtual classroom exceeding 20 minutes beyond a scheduled start time may result in cancellation of a virtual visit.

Prior to Your Visit

Before your virtual visit, please make sure your group has completed any pre-visit activities which will be sent to the group leader (Grades 4–12). All groups should log-in to the videoconferencing waiting room at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or specific concerns regarding your visit to JANM, please contact groupvisits@janm.org. The museum’s staff will be happy to help you arrange your visit logistics. Our goal is for you and your students to have a rewarding and educational visit.

Virtual Visit FAQ

How do I qualify for financial assistance to virtually visit the Japanese American National Museum (JANM)?

In order to qualify for JANM’s virtual visit waivers, groups must be Title I. Our grants are available to groups who come for an experience scheduled through the Education Unit. Grants are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants to qualify.

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What videoconference technology will be used during a virtual visit?

We find it easiest for us to join your virtual classroom as guests using whichever videoconferencing platform your students are most familiar with, but we are also able to set up a JANM Zoom room.

If joining your classroom, we ask that we are made a co-host or presenter as we will need to share our screen. If using a JANM Zoom room, a unique Zoom room link and password will be set up for your visit and sent to the teacher ahead of time. The waiting room feature will be enabled and the teacher will be allowed into the Zoom room first and asked to let students in from the waiting room.

What is a teacher’s role in a virtual visit?

JANM relies upon teachers to closely monitor students during virtual visits. We require one supervising adult to be in the virtual classroom at all times during the virtual visit. If using a Zoom room link from JANM, we will allow the teacher into the Zoom room first and ask that they let their students in from the waiting room.

Do you have docents who are veterans or former inmates that my students can talk to?

Virtual visits for school groups will be led by JANM Education Staff. Adult, college, and senior group tours will be facilitated by JANM Education Staff or trained JANM volunteer docents or facilitators. While some of our volunteers have first-hand experience with America’s concentration camps, we cannot guarantee that your group will be led (on-site or virtual) by a WWII veteran or former camp inmate.

For the unique experience of speaking to a first-person survivor of WWII incarceration, groups who have scheduled or completed virtual visits may book an additional 20-minute Q&A ($50 fee). To access oral histories online, visit DiscoverNikkei.org.

Do you offer virtual visits in multiple languages?

We are now offering Japanese language visits with limited availability for college, adult, and senior groups only.

For more information please email jpngroupvisits@janm.org with the name of your school, group, or company; number of participants; and potential dates and times for your tour.

Will this visit be age appropriate for my students?

Virtual museum experiences are designed to meet the needs of 1st–12th grades plus adult and college groups. Please tell us as much information as possible (what your students are studying, what books/materials they have read, etc.) when booking your reservation. We will be happy to make sure that your experience is tailored to the appropriate grade/age level.

Do you have pre-, post-, or digital activities that I can do with my students?

Students who join a virtual visit with a basic understanding of the Japanese American story have a better and deeper experience while they are here. For students 4th grade and above, there is an accompanying pre-visit curriculum that should be completed prior to the visit. Click on the link below for lesson plans and resources that may be of use.

Online Resources

What happens if I am running late to join the virtual visit?

Please contact us at groupvisits@janm.org as soon as you become aware of a delay. We understand that due unforeseen reasons, your group may arrive late. We may not be able to accommodate your group if you arrive more than 20 minutes late to a virtual visit.

Do you have a cancellation policy for virtual visits?

Virtual visits can be cancelled without penalty up to 14 days prior to the virtual visit. After that, JANM is not able to issue a refund.

We understand that it can be difficult to estimate the exact number of participants for a virtual visit. Please review our price tier chart before making a reservation. And please note:

If your actual group size is smaller than your reservation price tier, we can only issue a refund before your virtual visit starts. (Sorry, no refunds after the virtual visit.)
If your actual group size is larger than your reservation price tier, then we will apply the correct higher price tier fees after your visit.

Why does JANM use the term “concentration camp” when speaking of the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans?

The terms used to describe what happened to 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II—relocation, evacuation, incarceration, internment, or concentration camp—vary among scholars, government officials, and even Japanese Americans themselves. While most people associate “concentration camp” with the Holocaust and many Americans feel more comfortable with milder terms like internment camps, JANM uses the term “concentration camp” because by definition a concentration camp is a place where people are imprisoned not because they are guilty of any crimes, but simply because of who they are. The U.S. government, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, used the phrase “concentration camp” in speeches and written documents during World War II.

Virtual Visits

Connect with JANM Virtually

Planning your visit

FAQ

Financial Assistance

Available Tours

Special Programs

More Ways to Visit

School Visits

Group Visits

Virtual Visits’ Policies and Information

Virtual Visit FAQ