Holocaust Memorial Center Announces Events to Commemorate Planting of Anne Frank Tree Sapling

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - June 21, 2013 - PRLog -- The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus (www.holocaustcenter.org) announced a series of events to commemorate its acquisition of a sapling from the actual white chestnut tree that brought Anne Frank solace as she hid from the Nazis during World War II.

The schedule includes free educational programming, which begins June 28, for children and adults, and culminates with the tree planting and exhibit dedication ceremony in the fall.  A separate seminar for educators also is planned.  All programs are being made possible by grants from the Michigan Humanities Council, DeRoy Testamentary Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and Jewish Women’s Foundation.

The sapling, awarded by Anne Frank Center USA, is just one of 11 to be planted in the U.S. from the nearly 200-year-old tree that served as one of the Jewish teenager’s only connections to nature while she and her family hid in a Secret Annex in her father’s company building at 263 Prinsengracht in Amsterdam.  It will become part of a larger exhibit titled, “Looking Out Anne Frank’s Window.”

“Our exhibits create a call to action, teaching visitors through the examples of those who risked their lives to save others, and asking our guests to react to contemporary challenges such as racism, intolerance, bullying and prejudice,” said Holocaust Memorial Center Executive Director Stephen Goldman.  “This tree and the surrounding exhibit we will create epitomize these messages, exemplifying hope for humanity.”

Events honoring Anne Frank began on May 7 at Berkley High School when the Holocaust Memorial Center partnered with Berkley Schools to host the American premiere of “My Name is Anne Frank, a cantata by German composer Volker Blumenthaler and librettist Alexander Gruber.  The award-winning Berkley High School Choir and Orchestra received a standing ovation following its arrangement that included solos by Hazzan Daniel Gross and Cantor Penny Steyer.

This summer’s curriculum, featuring programs designed for both children and adults, includes:

Anne Frank Door Project

*Friday, June 28 and Friday, July 25, 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m., Camp Tamarack, 4361 Perryville Rd., Ortonville (Girls ages 12-13)

*Thursday, July 25, 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m., Oak Park Library, 14200 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park (Teenage girls)

A hands-on project whereby participants decorate a door that opens up to a photo of themselves and their handwritten answers to the questions: If you could walk through a door without fear, where would you go?  Where would it lead you?  What obstacles are in the way of getting there?  The goal is to help confront some of the same issues Anne Frank faced (e.g., identity; being a teen; dealing with parents; hope versus despair; bravery; responsibility to standup for what’s right and to fight discrimination and bullying).

The Anne Frank Curriculum: A Special Seminar for Teachers

*Sunday, July 21, All Day, Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills (Teachers from Jewish schools)

*Monday, July 22, All Day, Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills (Teachers from all other schools)

Created by the Holocaust Memorial Center, the curriculum is designed to guide middle and high school educators through teaching The Diary of Anne Frank as an introduction to the Holocaust.  Ultimately, the goal is to help students develop a deep understanding of the Holocaust and its impact on so many and one young girl in particular.  The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit has made this course possible with additional support from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Alliance for Jewish Education.

Looking Out Anne Frank’s Window Creative Writing Program for Families

*Date, time and location to be determined

A journal/diary does not have to be simply a remembrance of what you have done, but can become a compelling document for the future.  This creative writing program for middle and high school students and their families encourages young people to keep a written journal and to reflect on their experiences.

Looking Out Anne Frank’s Window Film Presentation: “Anne Frank Remembered”

*Date, time and location to be determined

This Academy Award-winning documentary chronicles the life of Anne Frank.  Narrated by actor Kenneth Branagh with excerpts from Frank’s diary read by actress Glenn Close, this documentary features vintage newsreels, photographs and even a rare home movie to look beyond the celebrated pages of Anne's diary. Anne's life serves once more as an unforgettable symbol of--and tribute to--the many lives lost in the Holocaust.

The Anne Frank Center USA chose the Holocaust Memorial Center as one of 11 U.S. locations for the sapling from nearly 200-year-old white chestnut tree.  Selections included a proposal process that included more than 30 other organizations and were based on their commitment in equality, demonstration of the consequences of intolerance or historical significance to civil rights and social justice in the U.S.  

For more information on the dedication and surrounding events, please call 248-553-2400, or visit www.holocaustcenter.org.

About the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus

The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus opened in 1984.  Local Holocaust survivors, with community support, founded the museum to teach about the senseless murder of millions, and why everyone must respect and stand up for the rights of others if the world is to prevent future discrimination, hate crime and genocide.  For more information on the Holocaust Memorial Center, visit www.holocaustcenter.org, or call 248-553-2400.

About The Anne Frank Center USA
The Anne Frank Center USA, a partner organization of the Anne Frank House, uses the diary and spirit of Anne Frank as unique tools to advance her legacy, to educate young people and communities about the consequences of intolerance, racism and discrimination, and to inspire the next generation to build a world based on mutual respect.  For more information, go to http://annefrank.com.