People of the Manhattan Project

Workers sign up at Oak Ridge in 1944.

US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/ED WESTCOTT

 

Over 500,000 workers, scientists, engineers, and political leaders contributed to the Manhattan Project's success. The world’s first nuclear detonation and the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945 impacted hundreds of thousands more. Since then, Manhattan Project legacies have created positive applications and challenges like nuclear waste cleanup and long-term storage. Explore stories of the people who lived through it and people moving forward in a world the Manhattan Project changed forever.

 

African Americans

Learn about African Americans who played an integral role in the Manhattan Project.

Atomic Bomb Survivors

Learn about the people impacted by the atomic bombings of Japan.

Downwinders

Learn about people who lived near nuclear test and production sites.

 

Hispanics

Learn about the Hispanics that were impacted by the creation of the Manhattan Project.

Leaders

Meet the civilian, political, and military leaders who influenced the trajectory of the Manhattan Project.

Scientists & Engineers

Learn about the scientists and engineers who launched the atomic age.

 

Tribal Nations

Learn about the Tribal nations that have connections to Hanford, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge.

Women

Learn about the women who played a key role in the Manhattan Project.

Workers

Learn about workers from all different backgrounds who formed the backbone of the Manhattan Project.

 

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People by Park Location

 

Hanford

Meet the people of Hanford from those who pre-date the Manhattan Project to those who became intertwined with its legacies.

Los Alamos

Discover the people of Los Alamos from civilians to the military to the locals who were drawn into the orbit of the Manhattan Project.

Oak Ridge

Learn about the people of Oak Ridge from the Calutron girls to those who helped build a secret city seemingly overnight.