Anne Frank: A History for Today

The life story of Anne Frank is the centerpiece of Anne Frank: A History for Today. The family’s story reflects world events prior to, during, and after the period of Nazi dictatorship. The exhibit juxtaposes photographs of the Frank family with images of historical events at the time to show how persecuted people such as the Franks were affected by political decisions and the actions of individuals.

Visitors learn about the history of the Holocaust through the perspective of Anne Frank and her family. The exhibit illustrates how certain historical events governed the lives of the Franks, thereby demonstrating the effects of National Socialism on a German-Jewish family. In particular, the exhibit introduces visitors to the history of World War I and World War II. The enormity of the government-sponsored killings of Jews, Gypsies, disabled persons, Slavs and other ‘undesirables’ is shown. Additionally, the importance of individual action then and now is a key component of the exhibit. Emphasis is placed on the distinction between individuals who chose to join the Nazi Party and become perpetrators, those who remained bystanders, and the select few who resisted Nazi tyranny.

Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and the story of her life and death resonate with people of various ages and backgrounds. Today, children and their families continue to be victims of violence, war, and conflict. This exhibit allows visitors to consider the effects of prejudice, discrimination, hate, and violence. Through the story of Anne Frank, visitors are encouraged to examine their own attitudes towards others.

The exhibition encourages visitors to learn more about scapegoating, anti-Semitism, racism, ethnic cleansing, and genocide as well as human rights, democracy, and conflict resolution. Moreover, the exhibit challenges the viewer to learn about international human rights laws and standards as defined by such documents as the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights and Convention on the Rights of Children.

Lastly, the exhibit challenges visitors to engaged with current events and to take an active role in their communities and government. The final exhibition panel tells the stories of ordinary persons, from all walks of life, who have experienced racism, intolerance, and discrimination on a daily basis. These stories allow the visitor to question how differences between individuals are addressed and inspire the visitor to work towards a more just, inclusive society.

Buffalo State and the Burchfield Penney are humbled to welcome Holocaust survivors to the Center throughout this exhibition to share their stories. Learn more about survivors in our Western New York community at the website of the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo. Details will be available soon.

This exhibition is organized by The Anne Frank Center USA and is presented in collaboration with Buffalo State's Anne Frank Project.Learn more at http://www.slideshare.net/awheelock/understanding-the-holocaust-using-virtual-environments