AHOSKIE, NC – Members of the Ahoskie Woman's Club are partnering with Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) to help welcome visitors and provide guidance during the upcoming Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition, which opens at 9 a.m., Aug. 22 at the R-CCC Library.  

The volunteers recently participated in docent training hosted by the college's library staff as preparations continue for the nationally recognized exhibition from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. R-CCC is one of only 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, which runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 25, examines Americans' responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. Through historical documents, photographs and firsthand accounts, visitors are encouraged to explore the factors that shaped public opinion and consider the role individuals and institutions play in responding to injustice.  

During docent training, volunteers learned about the exhibition's themes, layout and historical context, equipping them to engage visitors and answer questions throughout the exhibition's run. The Ahoskie Woman's Club members will serve as ambassadors for the exhibit, helping create a welcoming and informative experience for guests from across the region.  

"The support of the Ahoskie Woman's Club demonstrates the power of community involvement in education," said Dr. Murray J. Williams, president of Roanoke-Chowan Community College. "These volunteers are helping us extend the impact of this exhibition beyond our campus and into the communities we serve. Their willingness to learn, engage and assist visitors will help ensure that the important lessons of history reach a broad audience." https://www.roanokechowan.edu/blog/r-ccc-library-hosts-training-for-area-librarians-ahead-of-americans-and-the-holocaust-exhibition 

Carol Anne Hankinson, director of library services, said the volunteers play a vital role in helping visitors connect with the exhibition's message. 

"We are incredibly grateful to the Ahoskie Woman's Club for partnering with us," Hankinson said. "The training prepares docents to help visitors navigate the exhibition and engage in thoughtful reflection about the choices individuals and communities make in times of crisis. Their support strengthens our ability to provide a meaningful educational experience for everyone who visits."  

The exhibition's grand opening will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon in the R-CCC Library. Admission is free, and community members are encouraged to attend. Additional programs, including book discussions, film screenings, workshops and guest presentations, will be offered throughout the exhibition period.  

For 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 252-862-1240. 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