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R-CCC Launches Americans and the Holocaust Exhibition with Community Kickoff Event
R-CCC Launches Americans and the Holocaust Exhibition with Community Kickoff Event
AHOSKIE , NC – Roanoke ‑ Chowan Community College (R ‑ CCC) held a grand opening for the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition Aug. 22 in the R-CCC Library. The college is one of 50 libraries in the nation selected to host the exhibition and the only host site in North Carolina for the 2024-26 exhibition cycle.
The exhibition, presented in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, explores Americans’ responses to the Holocaust during the 1930s and 1940s and encourages visitors to consider the role individuals and institutions play in shaping history . The exhibit runs from now until Sept. 25 . Exhibit hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – Noon. All events are free and open to the public.
R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams welcomed guests during Saturday’s kickoff.
“ Experiencing Americans and the Holocaust at its grand opening was both powerful and deeply moving. This exhibit reminds us that history is not only about events of the past—it is about the choices people make, the consequences of silence and indifference, and the enduring responsibility we have to stand for truth, dignity, and humanity ,” said Williams.
“ We are honored that Roanoke-Chowan Community College is the only library in North Carolina hosting this exhibition and one of only 50 libraries across the nation selected to do so. We hope individuals and families throughout our community, as well as churches, schools, colleges, civic organizations, and other community partners, will take advantage of this important opportunity to visit the exhibition, participate in the related programs, and engage in meaningful reflection and conversation ,” Williams added.
Through initiatives like this exhibition and its programming, R-CCC fosters lifelong learning, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue about history and its relevance today.
“We are honored to welcome community members, students, educators, and leaders to the grand opening of this powerful exhibition,” said Carol Anne Hankinson, Director of Library Services. “By bringing Americans and the Holocaust to our campus, we hope to foster thoughtful conversations, deepen historical understanding, and inspire greater compassion and civic responsibility throughout our region.”
Hankinson thanked those who helped prepare for the exhibit’s opening, including members of the Ahoskie Woman’s Club who will serve as docents, welcoming visitors and providing guidance during the exhibition ’s run on campus .
Free programming is slated , including guest speakers, film presentations, and interactive learning experiences:
- Sept 1: Day of Remembrance
- Join the campus for a Day of Remembrance through book displays, a moment of silence, or other activities that promote reflection on the Holocaust.
- Sept 4 – 5 , 9 a.m. : The Stories We Tell - North Carolina’s Links to the Holocaust .
-
Jeremy Wilson and
Dr.
Staci Wilson of Catawba Valley Community College will present on Americans and the Holocaust and showcase items from the
Gilde-Marx Collection
, one of the largest Holocaust-related personal collections in North Carolina.
- Sept 10 , 9 a.m.: Teaching the Holocaust for Educators
-
Led by experts from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Center, this workshop will provide educators with instructional strategies and offer continuing education credits.
- Sept 11 – 12, 9 a.m.: North Carolina and the Holocaust
-
Katie Cunningham of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Center will present on the state’s connection to Holocaust history.
- Sept 16, 9 a.m.: The Work of Anneliese Landau
-
Musicologist
Dr. Lily Hirsch
will
provide
a virtual presentation
exploring the life and work of Jewish musician Anneliese Landau. Guests will have the opportunity to
participate
in
a
Q&A session
with Hirsch
following the presentation.
- Sept 17 – 18, 9 a.m.: Virtual Event with Holocaust Survivor Ren é e Fink
-
Screenings of a four-part video featuring Renée Fink’s testimony as a hidden child during the Holocaust.
Guests will have the opportunity to
participate
in a Q&A session with Fink following the video.
- Sept 24 – 25, 9 a.m.: America and the Contentious Road to War
- Joanne Williford, retired Education Supervisor at NC Office of Archives and History , will discuss the impact of World War II on local communities.
F or more information about Americans and the Holocaust and related programming at the R-CCC Library, visit https://libguides.roanokechowan.edu/home or contact Hankinson at 252-862-12 39 or cahankinson@roanokechowan.edu . To learn more about the exhibition, visit ushmm.org/americans-ala .
Americans and the Holocaust: A Traveling Exhibition for Libraries
is an educational initiative of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The traveling exhibition began by touring to 50 U.S. libraries from 2021 to 2023; due to widespread interest from libraries and communities around the country, a second tour was developed for 2024 to 2026.
Americans and the Holocaust
was made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor Jeannie & Jonathan Lavine.
Additional
major funding was provided by the Bildners — Joan & Allen
z”l
, Elisa Spungen & Rob, Nancy & Jim
,
and Jane and Daniel Och. The Museum's exhibitions are also supported by the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibitions Fund,
established
in 1990.
About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A nonpartisan, federal educational institution, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, dedicated to ensuring the permanence of Holocaust memory, understanding and relevance. Through the power of Holocaust history, the Museum challenges leaders and individuals worldwide to think critically about their role in society and to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. For more information, visit ushmm.org.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org
Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission
Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”
Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243