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Hawaii War Records Depository (HWRD) in eList Hawaii Directory

The Hawaii War Records Depository (HWRD) is an extensive collection of archival materials that document life in Hawaii during World War II. The bombing of Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, was a pivotal event in World War II, prompting America to enter the war. The bombing and its aftermath dramatically altered the fabric of life in Hawaii, which was placed under martial law and served as the hub for the war in the Pacific. Showing great foresight, the Territorial Legislature of 1943 passed a resolution authorizing the University of Hawaii to collect materials documenting Hawaiis wartime experiences. The legislature appropriated 10,000 as start-up funds and shortly thereafter, the Hawaii War Records Depository was established at the University Library. Over a five year period, individuals, organizations and agencies throughout the state either donated or loaned for microfilming correspondence, personal accounts, reports, photographs, scrapbooks, phonograph discs, maps, posters, artwork, pamphlets, newspapers, clippings, memorabilia and other materials. With its diverse range of primary source materials, the HWRD is a significant resource for scholars, students, educators and the general public researching World War II and its impact on Hawaii and the American homefront. World War II remains a popular research topic, and the HWRD continues to be one of the Librarys most heavily used and cited archival collections.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall Honolulu, HI 96822
Telephone: (808) 956-6047
Fax: (808) 956-5968
Website: http://libweb.hawaii.edu/digicoll/hwrd/HWRD_html/HWRD_welcome.htm