Recent Events

An Artist Talk

We were honored to host Parivash and Nasser Rohani on December 12th in the Michael Klahr Center for an Artist Talk and reception. They describe the story of a global education and art movement, #OurStoryIsOne, that honors Bahá’í women who were killed in in Shiraz, Iran for their religious identity. The movement is expressed and shared through social media, especially on Instagram, as incredible women all over the world post their protest, pain, and courage expressed through art.

Over 25 people attended the event, learning, connecting and marveling over the amazing artwork. Tam Huynh gave a brief introduction about the global movement and then Lucy Bouchard, one of the artists, shared a poem and invited members of the room to say the names of the 10 Baha'i women who were killed for their religious identity. Parivash talked about how these 10 women were her friends, and if not for being on her honeymoon, she could have been the 11th woman. Parivash stressed the importance of the global movement and how the injustice, pain, and persecution of the 10 Baha'i women still occurs today. Her husband Nasser spoke about how men can effectively advocate and support the global movement, while also recognizing it is men in positions of power that allow laws and persecution to still take place against women.  

Next the group indulged in Persian food prepared by Parivash and Nasser, and then made their way to watch a short video about how one of the works of art was constructed. The interviewer and the artist attended the program, and it was quite moving to hear why they got involved in the global movement both on the screen and off. After the program ended, everyone proceeded to explore the exhibit's artwork more deeply. As people prepared to leave, they snapped a few more delightful selfies with new friends and said their goodbyes. It was wonderful to see so many people come together in community!  

The Baha’i International Community has now launched a global campaign, called #OurStoryIsOne, to honor the executed women and the long struggle for equality lived by women of all faiths in Iran for more than four decades which continues to this day. The campaign aims to demonstrate that despite the Iranian government’s efforts to sow discord and hate between groups, that our story is a shared one. We have become unified in our suffering and resilience, in our persecution and unwavering strength to combat oppression and above all to rebuild Iran, whatever sacrifices it takes. This exhibit highlights how local women’s stories can become global symbols of standing up for justice and equality.

Soul Survivors Book

We are thrilled to collaborate on a beautiful book by and about Maine Holocaust survivors as a resource for students and teachers. Through the Lens: Creating Soul Survivors by Photographer Jack Montgomery will showcase stunning portraits paired with the survivor’s story about suffering, persevering and surviving the Holocaust to go on and build a new life in America. These people founded and built the Holocaust and Human Rights Center—remaining 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.

Preserving Their Voices

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, revamped multi-media installation, events with second generation survivors, four art exhibits and a timeline to honor our forty amazing years.

The Ravensbrück Series

This exhibit is a series of small painting by the late Brenda Bettinson created after she read Sarah Helm’s book about the enslavement, beatings, torture, rape, starvation, surgical experimentation and murder of the women at the Ravenbrück concentration camp. The series will be exhibited at the HHRC from June to September.