#Americans and the Holocaust

Jacksonville Public Library is one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines the motives, pressures, and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war, and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. The exhibition runs from September 6 – October 12, 2023, at the Main Library.

Tours & Public Programs

In addition to free, docent-led tours of the exhibit, there are several public programs being offered in connection to the exhibition. These include two special programs where you'll have the opportunity to hear from the children and grandchildren of local Holocaust survivors about the impact that this tragedy has had across multiple generations. Each program ends with an open audience discussion.

Please note: Because the Main Library will not be closing as usual at 6 p.m. on September 28 and October 12, Holocaust program attendees will have an extra 30 minutes to browse the exhibit or check out books from the Holocaust Collection between 6 - 6:30 p.m. However, the Library will close promptly at 8 p.m. So, there won't be time to properly browse the exhibit after the program. Please plan accordingly. 

#Reflections on the Holocaust

Reflections on the Holocaust: The Jaffa Family on Thursday, September 28 at 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. at Main Library. Hear from second-generation Holocaust survivor, Irene Jaffa, and third-generation Holocaust survivor, Andrew Jaffa, as they recount the story of their family's Holocaust experience and the ongoing impacts across the generations. Irene's mother was the first Holocaust survivor to speak to school groups in Jacksonville. After the presentation, they will engage in an open conversation with the audience.  

Reflections on the Holocaust: Speaker Molly Kushner on Tuesday, October 3 at 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Main Library. Molly Kushner, born in a Displaced Persons Camp in Austria, will speak about her experiences as a second-generation Holocaust survivor and the impact her parents' struggles have had on her and her family's lives. Her conversation will be followed by an audience discussion. 

Panel Discussion and Open Dialogue

Resisting Hate, Repairing the World on Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Join us for a panel discussion and open dialogue that focuses on the impact acts of hate have on the individuals and communities being targeted, whether Jewish, Black, LGBTQ+, or others, and how we, as a larger community, can work together to provide mutual support. This program was made in partnership with LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) and will be moderated by Hope McMath, Curator of the JFCS's Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery. Those in attendance are encouraged to join the conversation during the moderated Q&A section with the panelists. 

You May Also Be Interested In

The Diary of Anne Frank at Theatre Jacksonville (2032 San Marco Blvd.), September 21 - October 1. Written for the stage by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett and directed by Jason Collins, it is based on the book Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. Tickets at theatrejax.com/box-office.