For the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, the 2020-21 fiscal year was another period of adaptation, education, and innovation. While we missed the busloads of kids pouring into the museum and bustling rotunda, we learned that it’s possible to carry out our mission in new ways. Whether it was creating a meaningful, transformative Youth Leadership Day experience for middle school students, hosting our weekly Holocaust Speaker’s Series via Zoom, or bringing thousands to the museum virtually, we made an impact. As you will see throughout this annual report, with your support, we managed to reach tens of thousands of individuals in our community and beyond.
READ THE 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT, and check out seven ways HHC carried its mission forward in new and innovative ways.
1. HHC opened a new exhibit featuring artificial intelligence.
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center added a new in-person exhibit to the museum at Union Terminal in January. Using specialized recording and display technologies and next-generation natural language processing, DIMENSIONS IN TESTIMONY allows visitors to ask two-dimensional displays of Holocaust survivors questions and receive responses in real time. Dimensions in Testimony is on exhibit in only seven other museums in the world. The exhibit experience – sponsored by the Harold C. Schott Foundation – is included as part of general admission to the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s museum at Union Terminal. One museum visitor said, “It was amazing. I saw a story on 60 minutes about it and was so happy to be able to experience it. Amazing to be able to ask questions to a holocaust survivor. I felt like she was in the room with me. It was a very special and emotional experience of which I am very thankful.”
2. We touched hearts and minds through innovative digital programming.
HHC has hosted more than 100 DIGITAL PROGRAMS since July 2020, reaching tens of thousands of individuals across more than 20 countries and 30 U.S. states. We know that our programs, including the WEEKLY HOLOCAUST SPEAKER SERIES, have touched hearts and minds.
- 90.4% of surveyed program attendees say they learned something new about the Holocaust from attending one of our programs.
- 81.8% of surveyed program attendees say they feel a responsibility to stand up to hate and antisemitism after attending a program.
3. We utilized technology to reach constituents across the country.
HHC staff developed robust digital and virtual offerings to reach community groups, schools, and companies that were unable to engage with our mission in person. Staff guided dozens of groups through the museum utilizing video and livestream equipment. New offerings this year included:
- Guided Online 360-Degree Virtual Field Trip
The guided virtual field trip takes students on a highlight tour of the museum with an HHC educator. Tours can be done over one bell and for multiple classrooms. Cost for the guided tour is $100 add a member of the Speaker Bureau for an additional $100. - Live Stream Field Trip
This tour, streamed directly from the museum and led by an expert guide, allows you to experience HHC’s innovative storytelling, interactive experiences, and artifacts without leaving your school or classroom. Live stream tours are offered on Tuesday & Wednesday.
4. HHC carried out its signature educational programs.
HHC engaged nearly 180 teachers and more than 22,000 students through virtual experiences, educational trainings, curricular resources, and field trips. HHC’s education team successfully transitioned its signature HOLOCAUST STUDIES FOR EDUCATORS INSTITUTE to a digital format for the second year and engaged educators from across the world. This year’s Youth Leadership Day engaged students through a variety of virtual activities, inspirational speakers, and a virtual museum tour. Throughout the pandemic, our team has gained valuable learning experiences on best digital practices and meeting our constituents where they’re at.
5. We inspired action through the Cincy Upstander Project.
THE CINCY UPSTANDER PROJECT continues to grow. The Project aims to inspire our community to become upstanders through a city-wide art campaign, monthly programs, museum tours, and training opportunities. HHC piloted its first upstander training sessions for companies in the region, expanded its city-wide art campaign in new neighborhoods, created personalized upstander museum tours, and planned new and interactive programs for the community. In the coming months, HHC will host Upstander Service Days (literally inspiring action today), the inaugural Upstander Awards, and the Upstander 5K Run & Walk.
6. We fought antisemitism and acts of hatred.
We created a NEW PROGRAM CALLED HATE AT HOME in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council to combat antisemitism and hate. Schools, community organizations and universities have engaged in these workshops. We also stepped up to live up to our mission of action by housing the GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION AGAINST HATE.
7. We piloted a new law enforcement training program.
We piloted new training opportunities for law enforcement to learn about the role of police in Nazi Germany and reflect on their role in a democratic society today.
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ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC educates more than 200,000 community members through its educational initiatives, innovative digital and in-person programs, virtual tours and partnerships. For more information, visit WWW.HOLOCAUSTANDHUMANITY.ORG.
- ATTEND AN UPCOMING PROGRAM
- DONATE TO THE HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER
- Learn more about HHC’S CINCY UPSTANDER PROJECT
- Book an ANTISEMITISM WORKSHOP
- Browse PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES for educators
- Become a BEACON OF HUMANITY
