It started with no charge, no trial, and no due process.
In 1942, 7,984 Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes and stay in a makeshift prison camp at a former horse racing track. This wasn’t because they had done anything wrong: it was because of who they were.
Innocent men, women, and children alike were imprisoned for nearly 6 months in San Bruno, CA, surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards. They were assigned numbers to identify them, and many were made to inhabit filthy horse stalls.
Today, this site is known as the Tanforan Memorial, the purpose of which is to honor the thousands of American citizens who were wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. Through its intentional design, the Tanforan Memorial invites visitors to pause, reflect, and remember the injustice that was done there.
As part of this project in the San Francisco Bay Area, Impact Signs was honored to partner with Landscape Forms to bring the story of Tanforan to life through a series of custom stainless steel memorial plaques.
Landscape Forms led the overall design while Impact Signs contributed expertise on engineering, material selection, and production feasibility to ensure that each memorial plaque would not only be produced and installed, but also endure over time.
The Role of Memorial Plaques in the Tanforan Memorial Project
A memorial plaque is a plate crafted to commemorate a person, place, or significant event. These plaques often include names, dates, imagery, and key information regarding the subject at hand.
In this project, each memorial plaque was designed to:
- Provide historical context in a clear, accessible way
- Honor the individuals who were persecuted
- Support the overall narrative of the site
Rather than acting as standalone signage, these stainless steel plaques are fully integrated into the Tanforan Memorial’s storytelling approach, guiding visitors through the space while reinforcing its purpose.
Memorial Plaques That Tell The Story of Tanforan
The Tanforan Memorial has four key elements, with memorial plaques playing a central role in each. At the center of the site is a bronze statue of 2 little girls created by Sandra Shaw and based on a photo taken by Dorothea Lange. The photo shows the Mochido family standing together at a bus station, waiting to be taken to the concentration camp. The Mochido sisters’ statue serves as a reminder of the innocence of all who were held captive there.
Near the Mochido sisters’ statue is an akebono cherry tree. This tree is a harbinger of spring, symbolizing hope and new beginnings, and is a gentle nod to the ancestral roots of the prisoners of Tanforan.
Behind the akebono cherry tree and the statue is a wooden structure that represents the horse stalls where many Japanese Americans were held prisoner during their time at Tanforan. Visitors are able to enter the structure and imagine what it must have been like for those who were forced to dwell there.
The last key element of the Tanforan Memorial is the Wall of Names. These memorial plaques list the names of all 7,984 people who were imprisoned at Tanforan. Sorted alphabetically, the wall of names exhibit serves as a heavy reminder of the suffering that so many endured during their incarceration.
Stainless Steel Memorial Plaques: Materials and Manufacturing Considerations
For a project of this scale and significance, material selection was a critical part of design execution.
The memorial plaques at Tanforan were crafted with stainless steel, chosen for its:
- Supreme durability in outdoor environments
- Resistance to weather and UV exposure
- Clean, refined appearance that aligns with the memorial’s aesthetic
In conjunction with the design direction provided by Landscape Forms, Impact Signs provided input on fabrication methods, finishes, and structural considerations to ensure that each plaque could be manufactured to spec without compromising the integrity of the design.
Engineering and Fabrication of Memorial Plaques for Long-Term Performance
Beyond materials selection, production feasibility played a key role in the success of this project.
Each memorial plaque required careful attention to:
- Typography and precise engraving to ensure readability
- Consistency across multiple plaques for cohesiveness
- Mounting and installation methods suited for the environment
Impact Signs collaborated closely with the project team to deliver a finished product that performs just as well as it looks.
Integrating the Memorial Plaques Into the Landscape Design
With the help of memorial plaques, the Tanforan Memorial feels like an immersive exhibit as opposed to a collection of freestanding elements.
This integration was guided by the design vision of Landscape Forms, who developed the layout and spatial flow of the memorial. Each plaque was intentionally positioned to support how visitors move through the space, interact with each element, and engage with the story being told.
Within that framework, Impact Signs worked to ensure that every memorial plaque aligned with the design intent while meeting technical requirements for fabrication, durability, and installation.
The result is a cohesive environment where the memorial plaques:
- Guide visitors through the space
- Complement the features of the landscape and architecture
- Prompt moments of pause and reflection
By combining thoughtful design direction with precise execution, the memorial plaques become an integral part of the exhibit, enhancing both its function and meaning.
A Collaborative Approach to Memorial Plaque Production in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Tanforan Memorial project is a prime example of what’s possible through collaboration.
With Landscape Forms leading the creative direction and Impact Signs supporting production, the Tanforan Memorial reflects a balance of vision and execution.
For projects involving memorial plaques, especially those in high-profile public spaces across the San Francisco Bay Area, that partnership is essential.
Are You In Need of a Custom Memorial Plaque?
If you’re working on a project that requires a memorial plaque, whether in the San Francisco Bay Area or beyond, having the right partner to make it happen is a game-changer.
At Impact Signs, our specialty is custom signage solutions for businesses, churches, schools, and more. From concept to completion, we’ll help bring your vision to life.
Let’s create something meaningful together. Contact our team today to get started!
