On Friday, the “Americans and the Holocaust” traveling exhibition opened at the Pendleton Public Library. Pendleton is one of 50 libraries nationwide – and the only one in Oregon – selected to host the exhibit.
“Americans and the Holocaust” is presented by The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The exhibit examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.
“The Pendleton Public Library is delighted to provide our community with access to this extraordinary exhibit,” Library Assistant Director James Simpson said. “Pendleton is, of course, no stranger to the events of World War II with the Pendleton Field Airbase being located here, once housing the Doolittle Raiders and the Triple Nickels, not to mention the many residents that enlisted from the area. This exhibit was created to help frame two very important questions: ‘What did Americans know about the Holocaust?’ And ‘What more could have been done?’ The exhibit breaks down the first question in 16 different themed panels, looped video content, and four kiosks. The second question is meant to be answered by the viewer after experiencing the ‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibit. We hope to see you soon!”
“Americans and the Holocaust” will be on display at the Pendleton Public Library, along with a series of related special events, through July 1.
Special event programming includes:
- Speaker Anneke Bloomfield, Holocaust Survivor: Shortly after Anneke’s 5th birthday, the Netherlands was invaded by Nazi Germany. Fearing for the safety of his family, Anneke’s father found families that would take Anneke and her brothers into hiding. Over the course of the war, Anneke was moved three times to different homes. She was just 10 years old when victory was declared in Europe. Hear her story at the library at 5 p.m. on May 31.
- World War II – A Local Story: Come to the library art gallery for a walk through of local news coverage of World War II. Newspapers will be on display, featuring major events from the war and the impact felt here in Eastern Oregon. The event takes place at 5 p.m. on June 7 inside the library.
- Speaker Clarice Wilsey, Author and Daughter of WWII Army Physician: Clarice speaks on behalf of her late father, Captain David B. Wilsey, M.D. Present at the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp, Dr. Wilsey was one of 27 physicians who treated 30,000 survivors in a makeshift field hospital. Hear his story at the library at 5 p.m. on June 21.
The exhibition is now open for public viewing now until July 1 during library hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information, contact the Pendleton Public Library at 541-966-0380.
A full schedule of appearances is available online.
