Witness to History

The Holocaust was the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and their collaborators over a twelve-year period between 1933 and 1945. There were also other victim groups during the Nazi era. Throughout World War II, governments, community leaders, and ordinary people made choices based on their circumstances, personal ethics, morality, or political forces. While the Nazis and their collaborators were carrying out their plans to murder European Jews, some individuals, groups, and governments chose, at great risk, to protect and rescue those who were targeted. Most people did nothing in response to prejudice and atrocities, although they were aware of what was happening. The majority of victims had no one to turn to for help. Throughout this exhibition, there are examples of perpetrators, bystanders, victims, and upstanders (people who speak or act in support of an individual or cause).

The Florida Holocaust Museum’s traveling exhibition Witness to History examines how the actions of individuals, groups, and governments contributed to the Holocaust and explores the Holocaust experiences of Survivors who eventually settled in Florida. Witness to History is available to loan to your school – free of charge! (Exhibition is available beginning fall 2020 on a first come, first served basis. Book now!) Witness to History is a chronological history exhibition consisting of 20 easy-to-install retractable banner stands. The exhibition uses original photographs and filmed testimonies from Holocaust Survivors to recount the events of the Holocaust.

Space Required: 900 square feet
Loan Fee: FREE
Shipping: FREE
Loan Period: 1 month

This exhibition can help teachers meet the requirements of Florida’s Holocaust Education Mandate. Teachers can use this free resource while planning their lessons: it provides a broad historical background and enables teachers to choose content that is age- and grade-appropriate for their students.

For more info contact exhibits@thefhm.org