The free exhibit uses 10 narrative panels, an NBC “Dateline” documentary and a 1945 U.S. Government color film. The BUSeum is a traveling version of a permanent exhibit at Traces Center for History and Culture in the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.

Even though they were American citizens, those targeted by the federal government lost their homes and livelihoods to war hysteria. Family members were separated. Some were deported back to wartime Germany, including Jews who had survived escape from Nazi concentration camps and fled to America.

Families were arrested by authorities on the basis of questionable “tips” that spurred phone taps, intercepted mail and illegal searches. They were sent to more than 60 detention centers around the country. One of the first camps was at Camp McCoy, near Sparta, and a disproportionate number of those interned came from Wisconsin.

Of those imprisoned, not one was permitted legal representation, was charged with, tried for or convicted of a war-related crime, according to World War II historian and Traces Executive Director Michael Luick-Thrams.

As part of this exhibit, the library will host a discussion from 6-7 p.m. Topics include the effectiveness of the internment program and its moral implications then and today.