Holocaust Artifacts Sought by HUC-JIR's Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education in Cincinnati
Interactive Exhibit is an Attic of Memories of Jewish Life in Europe

Mapping Our Tears, a project of The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, is a permanent, interactive exhibit detailing the personal stories of Holocaust survivors who now reside in the tri-state. Designed to resemble an attic from a European home of the 1930s, the exhibit will allow visitors to experience and explore the reality of Jewish life before its destruction by the Holocaust. A committee of volunteers has been assisting in the development of the project and working with educators, interns, and staff of The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education to bring the project to life.

The committee is seeking support from tri-state citizens for this important community effort by requesting loaned and donated items that will help create the authentic atmosphere of a 1930s European attic. Period items that might have been stored in a European attic would be especially appreciated such as: suitcases and trunks, stools, chairs, an armoire, other furniture, mirrors, lighting fixtures, oriental style carpets, an old radio, appliances, a typewriter, toys, a bicycle, a soccer ball, a dress form, hats, coat stands, clothing, uniforms, WWI and WWII medals, pictures, paintings, picture frames, books and magazines (in English, German, Dutch, Polish, Yiddish), an old globe, old maps of Europe and Israel, and Judaica such as a kiddush cup, menorah, or seder plate. All donations will be properly catalogued and handled. Donors will be acknowledged and honored for their contribution to this unique and compelling exhibit.

“The exhibit will be powerful and touching. Seeing survivors on video and hearing their personal stories while standing amongst personal belongings will encourage discussion about the role that faith and courage play in helping people survive hardship,” commented Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools and Board Member, The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education during a recent meeting about Mapping Our Tears.

Members of the Mapping Our Tears Project Committee include HUC-JIR Cincinnati Board of Overseer members Marilynn K. Braude, Robin Harvey, Dr. Edward B. Herzig, and Renee Lemberg, as well as community leaders Hope Bard, Director, Kesher; Douglas Lowry, Dean, College Conservatory of Music; Sally Rub; Paul Shortt, Professor, College Conservatory of Music; and Edward Stern, Playhouse in the Park.

The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education is an academic and community resource center that teaches graduate level courses for educational professionals and clergy; surveys and assesses Holocaust education needs in the public and private sectors; innovates curriculum development and evaluation; convenes conferences and symposia; and, cooperates with the university consortium on outreach initiatives. Community members who would like to donate items or learn more about Mapping Our Tears or The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion should contact Kristin Schade at (513) 221-1875, ext. 355.