UH Mānoa Library to host ‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibition

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Hamilton Library has been selected as one of 50 U.S. libraries to host a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association (ALA). The exhibition, "Americans and the Holocaust," will be paired with a series of related special events, from August 30 to October 4 during library hours.

The 1,100-square-foot exhibition examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans' responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. It highlights various aspects of American society including the government, the military, refugee aid organizations, the media and the general public.

Drawing on a collection of primary sources from the 1930s and 1940s, the exhibition tells the stories of Americans who acted in response to Nazism, challenging the commonly held assumptions that Americans knew little and did nothing about the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews as the Holocaust unfolded. It provides a portrait of American society that shows how the Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and antisemitism shaped responses to Nazism and the Holocaust.

"I am very pleased that Hamilton Library was chosen to host this exhibit," said UH Mānoa Librarian Clem Guthro. "The Holocaust was one of the defining events of the 20th century and it is important that everyone understands its history and its relevance for today. Understanding this history is one step in combating Antisemitism."

UH West Oʻahu was among the 50 U.S. libraries to host the traveling exhibition in 2022.

Additional displays, events

In addition to the traveling exhibition, an ancillary exhibition, What Did Hawai'i Know? will be on display in the library's elevator gallery. Several public lectures, film screenings and a book talk will also be offered.

An opening reception for "Americans and the Holocaust" will be held September 3, from 6-7:30 p.m. including remarks and a short presentation from Robert Littman, UH Mānoa professor of classics, in Hamilton 306 at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Clem Guthro at [email protected].

For more information about "Americans and the Holocaust" and related special events, go to the library website. Learn more about the traveling exhibition.

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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.