Manuscripts

The Hawaii War Records Depository is comprised of a rich mixture of manuscript materials collected from individuals, organizations and agencies throughout the state documenting various aspects of life in Hawaii during World War II.

The manuscripts include personal papers, such as diaries and correspondence, documenting the wartime experiences of Hawaii residents, soldiers, doctors, nurses, and educators. The holdings also include some records of the territorial government and city/county governments, records relating to martial law in Hawaii, and records of various committees that had official and semiofficial status. Also included are materials concerning businesses, schools, civilian defense groups, civic and service organizations, and military units.

The types of manuscript materials in the HWRD include: correspondence, reports, memoranda, minutes, maps, posters, artwork, scrapbooks, personal narratives, diaries, clippings, newspapers, periodicals, pamphlets, casualty files, biographical data, statistical data, administrative records, University of Hawaii student papers, radio transcripts, programs, yearbooks, sheet music, handouts, telegrams, lists, rosters, registration cards, questionnaires, forms, planning documents and newsletters.

An inventory of papers written by University of Hawaii students who served in the military during World War II is available online.

In addition to the paper manuscripts, the HWRD also includes 71 reels of microfilm, whose contents are not duplicated in the rest of the collection. The microfilm includes correspondence, scrapbooks, reports, photograph albums, personal accounts, and other materials from individuals and organizations.

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