Topaz Stories shines a light on a dark time in U.S. history
Feb 02, 2026 02:57PM ● By Peri Kinder
Square grids, desert vegetation and alkali soil are the only things left at the World War II Topaz Japanese internment camp in the Great Basin desert of Utah. Topaz Stories, an exhibit in Riverton, shares experiences of those held at the camp and their descendants. (Adobe Stock)
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941, the U.S. government forced more than 120,000 men, women and children into ten internment camps across the country. The Topaz Relocation Center was built near Delta, Utah, with more than 11,000 people processed through the camp.
At its peak, 8,100 people of Japanese descent were housed at Topaz with 66% of them being American citizens. None were ever convicted or charged with a crime before they were incarcerated, but they lived in a prison behind barbed wire fences under harsh conditions until the end of World War II.
Now, The Friends of Topaz Museum has organized a traveling exhibit that shares personal stories from those who were imprisoned at the Topaz Relocation Center in Utah. The exhibit features photographs and personal narratives, presenting a history of injustice, resilience and the impact of racial bias.
The Topaz Stories exhibit will be featured at Riverton’s Old Dome Meeting Hall (1452 W. 12600 South) from Jan. 5-28. Visiting Hours are Monday through Wednesday, from noon until 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday tours are available by appointment only. School tours can be scheduled by calling 385-237-3421 or emailing [email protected]. The exhibit is free.
“Riverton City chose to host the Topaz Stories exhibit as part of the America 250 push to explore our history. This exhibit gives residents an opportunity to learn about this chapter of history through direct sources,” said a Riverton City spokesperson. “The exhibit presents firsthand accounts and historical context that help explain the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II that spurs thoughtful reflection.”
The event is a way to remember the Japanese American incarceration that the U.S. government formally admitted was a tragedy in 1982. To further heal prejudicial wounds in the country, President Ronald Regan signed the Civil Liberties Act in 1988 and President George H.W. Bush offered an apology and financial compensation to living survivors of the camps.
Since 2018, the Topaz Stories Project has gathered nearly 100 stories from Topaz survivors or their descendants. To learn more about the exhibit, visit topazstories.com.
