Searching for Humanity: Veterans, Victims, and Survivors of WWII

Discover the Human Stories Behind History

Searching for Humanity: Veterans, Victims, and Survivors of WWII field trip invites students to learn about the Holocaust through the experiences of survivors, liberators, and rescuers. Through photographs, personal artifacts, testimony, and interactives activities, students discover how individual choices can shape history and reflect on the question, “What is my responsibility today?” 

This experience guides students to connect history to the choices we make today while centering on the Searching for Humanity exhibit, originally created by artist Matthew Placzek.

Connecting History to Today

Students will:

• Deepen their understanding of the Holocaust through personal experiences.
• Reflect on themes of humanity, justice, and responsibility.
• Recognize the importance of standing up for others with courage and compassion.
• Classroom resources to prepare students before their visit.

A Meaningful Museum Experience

Designed for students in grades 6 – 12, this program is offered at no cost and includes:

• Interactive Holocaust lessons
• Guided tour of the current exhibit at the Samuel Bak Museum
• Second-generation testimony

School visits typically run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and accommodate groups of up to 75 students. Transportation is required from the Samuel Bak Museum to Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) for lunch and speaker’s testimony. 

Support for this current program and exhibit was provided by the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Foundation.