Only What You Can Carry tote bag

The front of this tote bears the iconic headline from the Civilian Exclusion Order Instructions posters that appeared after President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942. The posters publicly notified people of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast of the United States of their impending forced removal from their homes. People were restricted to pack only what they could carry. Most suffered tremendous economic losses in addition to the humiliation of an unjust incarceration. The text on the reverse side of this bag specifies what could be taken. This tote bag is a reminder of a time when the limitations of freedom were symbolized by what you could carry. View the full text of this document on the Japanese American National Museum's website here. Details: Silkscreen printed 100% canvas tote bag Measures 19" x 13.5" with 5" gusset and 12" drop straps Developed by JANM (Japanese American National Museum)