Now through April 12, hundreds of thousands of people from our region and beyond will bear witness to one of the darkest chapters in history. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. is open at the Cincinnati Museum Center, featuring more than 500 artifacts from the historic death and labor camp.
One of the most powerful parts of the exhibition is hearing from those who survived Auschwitz, including the many who arrived at Union Terminal in Cincinnati and began their new lives in our city.
You may have some questions before and after visiting the exhibition. That’s why the education team at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has curated a list of books to deepen your understanding of the people, choices, and consequences behind this chapter of human history
Holocaust History:
- War & Genocide: A Concise History of the Holocaust by Doris Bergen: A clear, human look at the Holocaust exploring not only the persecution of Jews but also other groups targeted by the Nazis, and revealing how genocide and war were deeply intertwined. Bergen helps readers understand this history and its echoes in today’s world through firsthand accounts and thoughtful context.
- Why? Explaining the Holocaust by Peter Hayes: Answers to the tough questions about how and why the Holocaust happened, dispelling myths and breaking down complex causes with clarity and insight. Drawing on decades of research, Peter Hayes shows that no single answer explains the tragedy, but understanding its many factors is key to learning from it.
- Rethinking the Holocaust by Yehuda Bauer: A fresh, thought-provoking look at how and why the Holocaust happened and what it reveals about humanity itself. Yehuda Bauer challenges common interpretations and reminds readers that understanding this human-made tragedy is essential to preventing it from happening again.
Auschwitz-Specific Memoirs:
- Night by Elie Wiesel: A candid, harrowing, and poignant autobiographical account of Elie Wiesel’s experience as a teenager in the death camp, and his reflections about what the Holocaust means for the future.
- Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi: This memoir takes readers through Primo Levi’s 10 months at Auschwitz and offers perspective on the indestructibility of the human spirit.
- Auschwitz & After by Charlotte Delbo: A rare perspective of a non-Jew in Auschwitz. Charlotte Delbo recounts moments of horror and abuse, while examining the postwar trauma survivors dealt with.
Whether you’re stepping into the exhibition for the first time or reflecting afterward, these books invite you to bear witness beyond the museum walls and carry forward the lessons of humanity and resilience that emerged from unimaginable darkness.
If you’re looking for books specifically for students, we invite you to explore this list from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Tickets are now available for Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. at historic Union Terminal. Book yours here.
