A POW uniform is just one of many artifacts people can expect to see at Kamloops’ newest museum.

The latest exhibit tells the rich history of internment during the Second World War, says Eileen Willms, a member of the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association.

“It gives you the whole story, including when the government more than encouraged relocation of Canadian citizens back to Japan.”

Saturday’s grand opening is for association members only, but Willms says they are hopeful they’ll see a healthy turnout from the public in the future.

The exhibit honours the 70th anniversary of the evacuation and internment of Japanese Canadians.

Also included are artifacts from prisoner-of-war camps and sugar-beet farms, where many Japanese Canadians who were considered to be suspicious were forced to work. 

Located in the basement of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, on 160 Vernon Ave., the museum will be open every Thursday and the second and fourth Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The display is the first of its kind for the association, as the exhibit room was only just opened earlier this year.

“We’re hoping for more artifact donations following today’s ceremony.”

The museum will be open every Thursday and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and anyone interested is invited to visit.

 “It gives you the whole story,” Willms said.

“We’re hoping for more artifact donations following today’s ceremony.”