Local residents curious about the secret World War II prisoner-of-war interrogation center near Byron will have a chance Jan. 24 to see what is left of the facility.

A tour through the grounds of Byron Hot Springs, located northwest of Tracy, is planned that Sunday afternoon by the Tracy Historical Museum and the East Contra Costa Historical Society in Brentwood.

On hand to explain the workings of what was known as “P.O. Box 651, Tracy, Cal.” or “Camp Tracy” will be Alex Corbin, author of “The History of Camp Tracy.”

Also taking part in the tour will be Carol Jensen, who has written a history of Byron Hot Springs.

The venerable spa, founded in 1865, became a secret P.O.W. interrogation center during World War II, when roughly 3,500 Japanese and German prisoners of war were questioned about military operations in the Pacific and Europe. Information gleaned from Japanese prisoners proved especially important to the U.S. war effort.

The Jan. 24 tour and program, which begins at 2 p.m., is open only to members of both sponsoring historical groups. Memberships — $10 for individuals and $15 for families — can be obtained at the Tracy Historical Museum, 12th and Adam streets, or on the day of the tour at the Byron Hot Springs site, on Byron Hot Springs Road off Byron Road, just south of Byron.

The Tracy Historical Museum is open from

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

For information: Jean Shipman, 832-7278; or tracymuseum@sbcglobal.net.