Americans and the Holocaust Traveling Exhibition Coming to Rio Rancho Public Libraries
RIO RANCHO, N.M.– Rio Rancho’s Library and Information Services Department is one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.
The touring library exhibition — based on the special exhibition of the same name at the Museum in Washington, D.C. — will travel to U.S. libraries from 2020 to 2022.
“We are so proud that our Library and Information Services Department was selected from a pool of more than 250 applicants to host this important and powerful exhibition,” said Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. “The exhibition will challenge people to not only ask ‘what would I have done?’ but also, ‘what will I do?’ and I encourage community members to come explore it. Our library team has worked very hard to bring this exhibit and the accompanying programs to fruition.”
Americans and the Holocaust will be on display at the Loma Colorado Main Library, along with a series of related special events, from October 12, 2021 to November 13, 2021.
Based on extensive new research of that period, Americans and the Holocaust addresses important themes in American history, exploring the many factors — including the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and antisemitism — that influenced decisions made by the U.S. government, the news media, organizations and individuals as they responded to Nazism. This exhibition will challenge the commonly held assumptions that Americans knew little and did nothing about the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews as the Holocaust unfolded.
Drawing on a remarkable collection of primary sources from the 1930s and ’40s, the exhibition focuses on the stories of individuals and groups of Americans who took action in response to Nazism. It will challenge visitors to consider the responsibilities and obstacles faced by individuals — from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to ordinary Americans — who made difficult choices, sought to effect change, and, in a few cases, took significant risks to help victims of Nazism even as rescue never became a government priority.
In addition to the traveling exhibition on loan, the Rio Rancho Library received a cash grant to support public programs.
For more information about Americans and the Holocaust and related programming at the Loma Colorado Main Library, visit rrnm.gov/library. To learn more about the exhibition, visit ushmm.org/americans-ala.
Americans and the Holocaust: A Traveling Exhibition for Libraries is an educational initiative of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association.
Americans and the Holocaust was made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor Jeannie & Jonathan Lavine. Additional major funding was provided by the Bildners — Joan & Allen z”l, Elisa Spungen & Rob, Nancy & Jim; and Jane and Daniel Och. The Museum’s exhibitions are also supported by the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibitions Fund, established in 1990.
Additional programming support was made possible, in part, by the New Mexico Holocaust Museum and Gellert Center for Education, Victor Yamada of the New Mexico Japanese American Citizens League, Holocaust educators in the NM school systems, Jessica Corley of the ABQ Faith Works Collaborative, Paula Amar Schwartz, and Beth Cohen.
About the Library and Information Services Department
The City of Rio Rancho’s Library and Information Services Department is comprised of two library branches that provide safe and welcoming environments with equitable access to information, along with a full range of services and programs that enhance the love of reading and encourage lifelong learning. The Loma Colorado Main Library is located at 755 Loma Colorado Blvd., and the Esther Bone Memorial Library is located at 950 Pinetree Road. For more information, please visit rrnm.gov/library.
About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires leaders and citizens worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. The Museum’s far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. 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.
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