RICHLAND, Wash. – In an effort to preserve local history, Richland High School alumni are invited to participate in a unique project. Michelle Bartlett, a history graduate student, has taken a keen interest in the connection between the Manhattan Project and Richland High School.
This initiative focuses on photographing objects and conducting oral history interviews with alumni, allowing them to share their experiences and the stories behind their artifacts. These stories are vital in understanding the impact of Richland High School on the community.
The school’s history is intertwined with the Manhattan Project. Originally named Columbia High School in 1910, it underwent almost complete reconstruction between 1945 and 1946 due to the population boom linked to nearby Hanford’s work. Bartlett is particularly interested in uncovering the missing links between the school and the Manhattan Project.
“All the history is still, I mean, relatively speaking, very recent,” Bartlett noted. She emphasized the importance of preserving these stories now, as the generation that lived through World War II is dwindling. “We’re reaching a point where we risk losing that history,” she said.
The project serves as a reminder that personal stories and local histories are as significant as grand historical narratives. Those interested in participating can have their items documented and archived by this initiative, helping to ensure these stories are formally preserved.
For more information on how to contribute to the Made by Manhattan Project, visit the Hanford History Project.
