Special Initiatives for the 40th

As we mark this special anniversary, we are reminded daily of the courage, vision, and perseverance of our founders. Their legacy is one of moral clarity and educational commitment. The oral testimonies they preserved—over 100 hours of eyewitness accounts—continue to anchor our work and inspire new generations. Their belief in the power of education to change the world has never been more relevant.

Dismantling Democracy

We are deepening civic education through the Dismantling Democracy program, developed by HHRC Education Coordinator Erica Nadelhaft. This community-focused offering examines how Hitler and the Nazi Party legally dismantled Germany’s democratic institutions. Through public presentations, panel discussions with historians and scholars, and accessible educational materials, we will explore the importance of safeguarding democratic values and institutions. 

Mindbridge Institute

Building on the founder's legacy of gathering and conversation, we will bring people together to explore how to move through conflict with understanding rather than division. In partnership with theMindbridge Institute,our expanded conversation series delves into how collective issues like book bans, cultural erasure, and extremist ideologies are affecting communities. Through guided practices, real-life scenarios, and psychological insight, we’ll help people navigate these hard conversations with hope.

Witness to History Project

Another initiative continues our mission to connect students with personal testimony through our Witness to History Project. In partnership with the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center, we’re offering presentations by Holocaust survivors, liberators, and resisters—in schools, online, or at the Michael Klahr Center. These firsthand accounts offer important insight into the consequences of hatred, bigotry, and systemic violence.

Soul Survivors Book

We are delighted to collaborate on a beautiful book by and about Maine Holocaust survivors as a resource for students and teachers. "From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of Survivors." by Photographer Jack Montgomery showcases stunning portraits paired with the survivor’s story about suffering, persevering and surviving to build a new life in America. These people founded and built the Holocaust and Human Rights Center—and remain steadfast supporters and members of our close community. The book is brings together projects that date back to the beginning of the HHRC and building of the Michael Klahr Center. We are indebted to Jack, and thrilled that these evocative portraits and heartbreaking, inspiring stories now exist in a book. Writes Jack, “The things we save can become the means for our recovery. I am moved by every aspect of these stories … And I am forever grateful to the survivors for giving us this record, which no amount of denial or historical revisionism can ever erase. We are in their debt.” A generous donor has funded the gift of a free copy to every school in Maine.

Commemorating 40 Exceptional Years

Through several initiatives in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary celebration, we will preserve the stories and voices of our founders, Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Maine to rebuild their lives. As it turned out, they also changed the state, bringing advocacy and education to students by traveling the state telling their stories, and speaking out against antisemitism and bigotry. This project will include a stunning book, collaborative educational programs, four art exhibits, a Timeline structured by decade, and a joyous celebration Gala.