AMERICAN ARTISTS AND THE HOLOCAUST, 1940-1970
The Eskenazi Museum of Art invites middle and high school educators to bring students to a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition, Remembrance and Renewal: American Artists and the Holocaust, 1940-1970. This featured exhibition offers a meaningful opportunity for teaching and learning through art and will be on view for a limited time. Reservations are now open from September 5 to December 12, 2025!
Program Highlights
- Designed for grades 6–12, this curricula-connected program uses art as a catalyst for student discussion and reflective writing.
- Students will consider:
- How does this exhibition expand your understanding of the Holocaust?
What does it mean to be a witness?
- Which artworks speak to you, and why?
- How does this exhibition expand your understanding of the Holocaust?
- Meets Indiana Academic Standards (LH7.1, LH7.2, LH7.3, LH4.1) with writing assignments for during and after the visit.
About the Exhibition
Students will explore the gallery independently with a provided writing assignment, reflecting on how artists responded to the Holocaust through the exhibition’s four thematic sections:
- Destruction – Hatred, death, and devastation
- Exile – Refugees and displacement
- Remember – Memorializing the victims
- Repair – Renewal and hope
Pre-visit Support for Teachers
To make planning easy and effective, educators will receive pre-visit resources, including:
- Lesson plans, slides, and writing assignments
- A pre-visit checklist and post-visit discussion prompts
- Resources aligned with lesson plans from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Other Student Tours
Can’t make it to the Remembrance and Renewal Tour? Check out these other options! Both tours are research-based, trauma-informed, and meet Indiana Academic Standards.
- Teen Gallery Walk (Grades 9–12) – Semi-guided, choice-driven experience promoting independence, self-discovery, and engagement.
- Art Investigators (Grades 2–8) – Quest-based, interactive program with sketching, storytelling, and movement.
Email ematours@iu.edu to book your field trip to the Eskenazi Museum! Reservations should be made at least 3 weeks in advance. Bus assistance available for qualifying schools.
