This year, thanks to your unwavering support, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center empowered thousands of students with Holocaust education, addressed antisemitism through community training, and amplified stories of resilience globally. Together, we’re ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to inspire meaningful action and foster empathy and understanding in today’s world.
Here are 10 moments where your generosity made a profound difference:
1. Expanding Education to Thousands of Students
The start of the school year brought incredible momentum, with record-breaking field trips and interactive educational sessions reaching nearly 4,000 students this fall alone. Through transformative experiences, these students connected with vital lessons from history. Additionally, the Roma & Sam Kaltman Teacher Fellowship launched with 22 educators across Ohio and Kentucky, equipping them with tools to teach Holocaust education and foster empathy and civil discourse. Our district partnerships further engaged more than 1,000 students, empowering them with upstander education and critical thinking skills. One student from Indian Hill reflected, “I felt like I could put my character strengths into action and genuinely understand myself and others.”
Your support helped us partner with more school districts than ever before, breaking records with field trip attendance and securing vital federal funding to expand Holocaust education. Thousands of students experienced transformative lessons that will stay with them for life. Learn more about our education programs.
2. Addressing Rising Antisemitism: Empowering Communities with Education & Training
In a time of rising antisemitism, your generosity enabled us to launch powerful community training programs and partnerships. This year, the Center has led the charge with impactful educational programs and trainings. These initiatives, including partnerships with institutions like the University of Cincinnati, equip participants to identify and combat dangerous misconceptions and tropes. Reaching hundreds across diverse communities, our efforts are fostering a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges posed by antisemitism and empowering individuals to stand up against hate.
3. Recognizing Everyday Heroes at the Upstander Awards
You helped us honor extraordinary individuals at the 2024 Upstander Awards and throughout the Cohen Family Upstander Month. This year, we added exciting new events like Museum Mindfulness Yoga and expanded our Family Day with character-strength activities designed to inspire courage and action. These engaging experiences brought families and individuals together in meaningful ways, creating connections that emphasized the importance of standing up for what’s right. More than 2,000 individuals participated throughout the month, celebrating upstanders and learning how they can make a difference in their own communities. Discover more about Cohen Family Upstander Month.
4. Making History Accessible with Free Admission
Thanks to initiatives like The Anita & Hank Schneider Family Holocaust Remembrance Month, we will welcome thousands of visitors to the museum for free this January. This transformative program, generously funded by the Schneider family, will drive record attendance every January for decades to come. By offering the opportunity for individuals and families to engage with the powerful lessons of the Holocaust, this initiative ensures that these stories of resilience and humanity will continue to reach and inspire future generations.
5. Sharing Stories That Resonate Globally
With your help, the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling reached audiences far and wide, amplifying local and global stories of resilience and hope. These narratives connected hearts, inspiring action across the world.
From stories of survival during one of humanity’s darkest chapters to those of upstanders who are lighting the way today, this is where compelling and authentic stories come alive to inspire the best of humanity. “Grateful on all fronts for the broad ability to share my parents’ story,” said Rob Herman, reflecting on the importance of preserving family histories. Upstander Award winner Emily Kendall shared, “I am honored to serve and be a part of this organization and honored to have this conversation today.”
This year, we also captured intergenerational connections. Ariel Grubbs-Guttman, reflecting on her grandmother Helen Kaltman’s story, said, “To finally hear her story has been really just important for me.” Additionally, Melissa W. Hunter expressed gratitude for the Center’s storytelling efforts, sharing, “Thank you so much for… an amazing experience yesterday! I am truly grateful for all the ways the museum keeps our community together.”
Read more about the Center for Storytelling.
6. Enriching Experiences with Cutting-Edge Technology
Your contributions made it possible to launch an innovative audio guide in partnership with Smartify, the award-winning cultural app. Featuring 19 immersive stops, the guide provides a personalized and engaging experience, connecting visitors with powerful survivor stories, key artifacts, and deeper insights into the museum’s exhibits. Visitors can access the guide on their smartphones or with on-site audio devices, ensuring an inclusive and seamless experience for all.
This new technology enhances the educational impact of the museum, making it easier than ever for guests to navigate exhibits and connect with the lessons of the Holocaust. As we prepare for record-breaking attendance in January, the audio guide will ensure that every visitor enjoys a meaningful and memorable journey through the museum. Learn more about the audio guide.
7. Bringing Survivor Stories to Life with AI
For the first time, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center will feature local Holocaust survivor testimonies in its groundbreaking Dimensions in Testimony exhibit at Union Terminal. This cutting-edge, interactive experience allows visitors to engage in real-time conversations with digital representations of Holocaust survivors, preserving their stories for generations to come.
Beginning in January, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the testimony of local Holocaust survivor Dr. Henry Fenichel, whose story of survival and resilience has deeply impacted countless individuals. Later in September, the testimony of Al Miller z”l will debut, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. These local additions to Dimensions in Testimony ensure that Cincinnati’s rich survivor history is preserved and shared on an international scale, connecting visitors to personal stories of resilience and humanity in a deeply innovative way. Learn more about Dimensions in Testimony.
8. Inspiring Future Leaders Through Youth Programs
With your help, our youth initiatives like field trips and the Teen Upstander Coalition inspired the next generation of leaders to stand up for what’s right. These programs planted seeds of empathy and courage that will grow for years to come. Youth & Family Engagement initiatives made great strides this past year, reaching more than 1,500 children through various programs since January. The Teen Upstander Coalition launched with 16 dedicated members from 10 school districts, equipping teens with the tools and skills to become proactive upstanders in their communities. Through two dynamic Youth Leadership Days, more than 200 students from 33 districts engaged in immersive experiences, focusing on character strengths and upstander behavior to drive positive change. A five-year partnership with Mariemont Schools engaged 373 students, with additional partnerships planned for Indian Hill and Deer Park districts. Additionally, the Strengths Superheroes mobile activation and the launch of a 5th/6th-grade summer camp with Cincinnati Museum Center furthered the museum’s mission of inspiring youth to foster social responsibility.
9. Building Connections Through Descendant Programming
You helped us launch new programming for Holocaust survivors, liberators, descendants of Holocaust survivors, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and reflection. These initiatives honored survivor legacies while fostering a strong and united community.
10. Strengthening the Organization for the Future
2024 marked a year of growth and renewal. With new leadership, including CEO Jackie Congedo and COO Christine Perme, and an expanded board and staff, we’re ready to make an even greater impact in the years ahead — all thanks to your belief in our mission. Learn more about our new board members.
Our impact is powered by your support. Together, we’re making a lasting difference— one that will echo for generations. We’re counting on your generosity to help us reach new heights in 2025. Make your tax deductible gift by December 31 by clicking here.
