Community Programs
As we mark this special anniversary, we are reminded daily of the courage, vision, and perseverance of our founders. Their legacy is one of moral clarity and educational commitment. The oral testimonies they preserved—over 100 hours of eyewitness accounts—continue to anchor our work and inspire new generations. Their belief in the power of education to change the world has never been more relevant.
Soul Survivors Book
We are delighted to collaborate on a beautiful book by and about Maine Holocaust survivors as a resource for students and teachers. "From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of Survivors." by Photographer Jack Montgomery showcases stunning portraits paired with the survivor’s story about suffering, persevering and surviving to build a new life in America. These people founded and built the Holocaust and Human Rights Center—and remain steadfast supporters and members of our close community. The book is brings together projects that date back to the beginning of the HHRC and building of the Michael Klahr Center. We are indebted to Jack, and thrilled that these evocative portraits and heartbreaking, inspiring stories now exist in a book. Writes Jack, “The things we save can become the means for our recovery. I am moved by every aspect of these stories … And I am forever grateful to the survivors for giving us this record, which no amount of denial or historical revisionism can ever erase. We are in their debt.” A generous donor has funded the gift of a free copy to every school in Maine. Email us if you would like to buy a copy.
Dismantling Democracy
We are deepening civic education through the Dismantling Democracy program, developed by HHRC Education Coordinator Erica Nadelhaft. This community-focused offering examines how Hitler and the Nazi Party legally dismantled Germany’s democratic institutions. Through public presentations, panel discussions with historians and scholars, and accessible educational materials, we will explore the importance of safeguarding democratic values and institutions.
Mindbridge Institute
Building on the founder's legacy of gathering and conversation, we will bring people together to explore how to move through conflict with understanding rather than division. In partnership with the Mindbridge Institute,our expanded conversation series delves into how collective issues like book bans, cultural erasure, and extremist ideologies are affecting communities. Through guided practices, real-life scenarios, and psychological insight, we’ll help people navigate these hard conversations with hope.
Witness to History Project
Another initiative continues our mission to connect students with personal testimony through our Witness to History Project. In partnership with the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center, we’re offering presentations by Holocaust survivors, liberators, and resisters—in schools, online, or at the Michael Klahr Center. These firsthand accounts offer important insight into the consequences of hatred, bigotry, and systemic violence.
Every Teacher A Leader Conference
The first annual Every Teacher a Leader Summit took place at Colby College on July 30-August 1st. Teachers across Maine came together to build community, attend workshops for and by Maine educators, and grow as leaders. The conference offered workshops centered around leading for innovation, for equity, through relationships, and with best practices in the classroom. The HHRC was invited to participate: Education Coordinator Erica Nadelhaft presented Hate Speech in Schools. This program addresses the rise of hate speech and symbols in schools and communities. The program challenges participants to look at how hate symbols and speech are confronted in their classrooms and to consider the important role they can play by speaking out. The program also considers the long-term trauma experienced by students who are targeted and the important role that educators play in mitigating that harm.