Historical Museum of Fort Missoula dedicates restored Japanese American detention barracks

The City of Missoula celebrated a significant milestone on June 23, 2025, with the grand opening of "Far From Home" - The Internee Experience at Fort Missoula. This new exhibit, housed in a restored building, serves as a poignant reminder of the Japanese American and Italian internment during World War II.

The project began in 2017 when the city acquired the building from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). After years of fundraising and construction, which totaled approximately $1.3 million, the exhibit is now ready to educate the public about this critical chapter in American history. A key component of the funding was a $533,000 grant from the Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program, which was instrumental in attracting additional support from various foundations and over 200 individual donors.

During the opening ceremony, Executive Director Matt Lauzenheiser expressed gratitude to the numerous contributors, including the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, as well as local supporters like the Tracy Foundation and the Lewis L. Bork Foundation. He emphasized the collaborative effort that made the project possible, highlighting the roles of construction and design teams, local government officials, and community members.

Senator Steve Daines, in a letter read at the event, underscored the importance of the restored barracks as a powerful reminder of the injustices faced by those interned. He called for a commitment to remembering history, even when it is challenging, and praised the museum's role in preserving and teaching these stories with integrity.

Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick also spoke at the event, acknowledging the community's dedication to honoring the past and shaping a better future. The opening of "Far From Home" not only marks the completion of a long-awaited project but also serves as a vital educational resource for future generations, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.