Holocaust Lessons Taught at Troy

Teaching universal lessons that combat hatred and prejudice is part of the mission at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Recently, Troy students were there to learn.

About 150 Troy Middle School students traveled to Skokie for the educational program with social studies teacher Holly Souza. What they were studying about human rights atrocities in her subject, as well as in communication arts, they were able to witness first hand at the museum.

For example, they met a Holocaust survivor who spoke with them. They also saw an authentic German box car, she said.

"The kids loved it," Souza explained. "They got so much out of it."

The students were taken in groups with a docent to guide them through the museum. The discussions were interactive, she said.

Students were able to ask questions and talk about what they learned at school. It wasn't just walking around and seeing a picture, she explained.

"When you actually see something like that, it is a much bigger deal," Souza said.

District Superintendent Don White said he agrees that these are great educational opportunities for the students.

"The kids were just enthralled by it because they were able to make the connection," White said.

The museum was founded through the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois. According to the museum Website, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org, the organization was formed in 1981 as a direct result of the Neo-Nazi movement threatening to march in Skokie in the late 1970s.

"The organization is proud of its efforts to secure the passage of the Holocaust Education Mandate," the site explains. "In 1990, Illinois became the first state to require Holocaust education in public schools."

The museum's Website gives detailed information about the museum, education center, purpose and history. There is a page devoted to clarifying misconceptions.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursdays when it remains open until 8 p.m. It is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $12, seniors and students are $8, and children under 12 are $6.