November 5 - December 30, 2023
AMERICANS AND THE HOLOCAUST TRAVELING EXHIBITION
The Fresno County Public Library 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.
AMERICANS AND THE HOLOCAUST will be on display at the Central Library, along with a series of related special events, from November 5 to December 30, 2023.
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 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.
This exhibition 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.
The exhibition is available for viewing at the Central Library, 2420 Mariposa Street.
November 5 to December 30
- Monday - Thursday 9am - 6pm
- Friday - Saturday 9am - 5pm
- Sunday 12pm - 5pm
The Central Library will be closed on November 10, November 11, November 23, November 24, December 24, and December 25.
Downtown Fresno parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays. For more parking information please visit the City of Fresno's Parking Division.
