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Library Exhibit: Americans and the Holocaust

Events and Programming

As part of the conditions of the grant, the City Tech Library will host 4 public events that will examine common themes between now and the events surrounding the Holocaust. Our three primary goals are to educate middle, high school and college students on the history of the Holocaust; to host public events survivors and scholars who will bring their experiences and knowledge to the public; and to emphasize the ways in which the Holocaust was both unique to its historical moment and yet germane to the twenty-first century.

Events

Overview & Introduction to “Americans and the Holocaust”:

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023, 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM (tentative)

Speakers: TBA
Format: Lecture
 

This program will introduce the exhibit with an invited scholarly speaker. We will focus on one of the key concepts outlined in the Americans and the Holocaust: how the information landscape changed in the 1930s and Americans before and during WWII increasingly received their news not just from newspapers but the new technologies of radio and newsreels. There are parallels to current times as political figures use new information sources, including social media and the web, to inform or misinform the public. All classes, especially history courses, and the general public will be invited to participate.

Nazis in America and Anti-Nazi protests:

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023 , 2:00 PM  - 3:15 PM (tentative)
Speakers: TBA
Format: Lecture
 

Nazism and fascism were not only Asian and European phenomena. These movements had large support in the United States as well. There will be a discussion of past rallies, such as the pro-Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden in 1939, with more contemporary ones held today. An invited speaker will discuss Nazis and anti-Nazi protests. Invited Speaker.

The Refugee Crisis:

Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM (tentative)
Speakers:  TBA
Format: Panel presentation
 

Who can claim refugee status and under what circumstances was hotly debated in the lead up to the Second World War. This issue continues to be discussed in the context of the southern border of the United States. Scholarly lecture, with Q&A discussion comparing the refugee crises of the past and today.

Immigration in the US then and now:

Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023, 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM (tentative)
Speakers: TBA
Format: Panel presentation
 

Restrictive immigration laws passed in the early 1920s led to an abrupt halt in immigration to the United States, often with dire consequences for those fleeing violence and turmoil in their home countries. Panel discussion with contemporary first and second generation Americans.