Hi Gabriel,
Sounds like an interesting project. This topic caught my eye because my grandparents are Holocaust survivors and I've been to several Holocaust museums (DC, NY, LA, and Yad Vashem in Israel). When I think of artifacts I immediately think of the shoes, which seem to be ubiquitous in the museums I've visited. But, for me, the exhibits that have really stuck in my mind are those that may not necessarily include artifacts but ones that, instead, include an immersion or metaphorical representation of the scope and experience of the Holocaust. I'm thinking, specifically, of walking into a recreated gas chamber or, at Yad Vashem, the room with reflected candles that is meant to represent and memorialize the children that died in the Holocaust. I guess, for me, looking at artifacts is all well and good, but if something really helps me to feel the experience of the people who lived through the Holocaust or understand the scope of the event in terms of how many people were affected, that is what I will remember, whether it included artifacts or not.
I hope this is somehow helpful, though I feel I haven't really answered your questions!
Best,
Cara
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Cara Scharf
Program and Communications Manager
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Philadelphia PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-07-2014 06:36 AM
From: Gabriel Mayer
Subject: Artifacts utilization for authenticity of Holocaust in museums
I work in the field of Holocaust pedagogy, history and museum studies.
I am interested in hearing from others regarding:
1. What is your experience in utilizing Holocaust artifacts for authenticity.
2. Any personal experience and reaction to visits which entailed encountering Holocaust artifacts.
3. Any other remark relating to subject.
I am much indebted to anyone who writes back; since this is part of a research project, and all
feedback is highly useful.
Thank you
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Gabriel Mayer
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