Educational Offerings
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Presentations
The Generations Speakers Bureau
The Generations Speakers Bureau is how children and grandchildren of survivors continue to tell their family stories of survival in the Holocaust. Our speakers present at various locations including schools and any other organizations wanting to hear a personal account about a Holocaust survivor! Learn more.
Dismantling Antisemitism
Our Dismantling Antisemitism trainings teach students and educators about Judaism and the Jewish people, the history and dynamics of antisemitism, and practical ways to confront injustice today. Learn more.
Music as a Form of Resistance and Self-Expression
Music as a Form of Resistance and Self-Expression is a newly developed lesson utilizing a violin that was brought to America in the early 1930s. We will bring the violin to the school and either present about self-expression and music in the Holocaust or allow the violin to be used in a teacher’s existing lesson plan. Student musicians may be given the opportunity to learn a couple of traditional Jewish melodies and play the violin for their class and/or assembly. Learn more.
Activities and Projects
Reflections: Butterfly Art Program
Reflections: Butterfly Art Program is an educational art and storytelling initiative from the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh (HCP) in which students decorate wooden butterflies in memory of children who were murdered in the Holocaust. In addition to a butterfly, each student receives a biography card that tells the stories of both a child victim and a Holocaust survivor who later rebuilt their life in Pittsburgh. This project aims to honor those who were lost, elevate the voices of those who survived, and foster intergenerational connection through creativity and remembrance.
The Holocaust Center provides accompanying educational resources, including an educator’s guide, a lesson plan, and a slide deck that can be used to implement the project. These resources present the Theresienstadt ghetto-camp as a case study of conditions during the Holocaust and to highlight the power of art. Learn more.
The Crocus Project
The Crocus Project, created by Holocaust Education Ireland, commemorates the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust by planting yellow crocuses in their memory. Through the HCP, educators can apply for grants to receive bulbs for students to plant, offering a tangible and age-appropriate way to introduce the Holocaust. Learn more.
Waldman Arts & Writing Competition
The Waldman Arts & Writing Competition invites middle and high school students to create artwork or writing on a designated Holocaust remembrance theme. Entries are first judged at the school level, then by HCP judging panels. Each participating school designates a Teacher Sponsor, who oversees the initial competition, submits finalists, communicates with the HCP, and supports winning students. Learn more.
Field Trips
We are able to accommodate field trip groups of 40 people or less on Fridays at 9am. We are happy to work with your school to come up with a bespoke field trip. Our field trips consist of a tour of our exhibit, “Revolving Doors,” a Generations Speaker, and other potential elements, such as a butterfly art session or a talk on understanding antisemitism. We may be able to accommodate groups larger than 40, as well as field trips on days other than Fridays, upon request. Learn more.
CHUTZ-POW! Superheroes of the Holocaust
CHUTZ-POW! SUPERHEROES OF THE HOLOCAUST is an acclaimed comic-book series consisting of four unique editions created and published by The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. The Teachers’ Resource Guide is designed to build context and provide foundational information for educators teaching about the Holocaust. Learn more.
Online Resources
Local Survivors Archive
Established in 1980, the Holocaust Center was created as a living memorial to honor Holocaust survivors who came to Pittsburgh to rebuild their lives. In an act of resilience against antisemitism, local survivors and their children undertook a mission to create a comprehensive resource center that would help people learn about the Holocaust and counter intolerance and hate in all its forms. Now, we are proud to present the HCP Local Survivors Archive, a resource to help facilitate learning, commemoration, and connection with survivors who settled in our own communities after surviving unspeakable hardship. View here.
Testimony and Program Recordings
Video testimony, recorded programs, and more are available on our YouTube channel.
In Celebration of Life: Living Legacy Project
In Celebration of Life: Living Legacy Project reflects the fundamental mission of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, granting us the opportunity to commemorate and honor Pittsburgh survivors. It enables us to connect with members of our own community on a very intimate and personal level. In Celebration of Life: Living Legacy Project is an opportunity to celebrate the deep, powerful connection that we have with these very special people, local citizens who survived unspeakable hardship many years ago to be here in Pittsburgh with us today.
Jakob’s Torah: An International Journey
Learn about Jakob’s Torah through an interactive virtual exhibit. View here.