In January 1972, the California State Department of Parks and Recreation designated Manzanar as a State Historic Landmark. On July 30, 1976, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  In 1977 the City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Board declared Manzanar a City Historic Landmark. In February 1985 Manzanar was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

On March 3, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed legislation establishing Manzanar as a National Historic Site under the stewardship of the National Park Service. Today the National Park Service operates an extensive interpretive center in the restored camp auditorium. Visitors learn about the experiences of Japanese Americans, Owens Valley Paiute, ranchers, and farmers at Manzanar.  Staff tend the site’s historic orchards, excavate and preserve camp gardens, and host hundreds of school children and nearly 100,000 visitors each year. Volunteers participate in landscaping projects, archival projects, and serving visitors.

Thousands of visitors have been exposed to  Manzanar stories since the center opened in April 2004. Many more learn about Manzanar through official National Park Service websites, including this virtual museum.