This past weekend, March 14, our EPIC grant cohort traveled to the Cincinnati Museum Center to take a step into a somber time in our history. Auschwitz: Not Long Ago, Not Far Away is being held for a short time at the Cincinnati Museum Center located at the Union Terminal. It allows visitors to see about 500 pieces of history from around the world offering a first-hand account from survivors and those who perished in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp during WWII. The artifacts include cement posts from the gates, bunk beds, personal items and even gas masks used by the officers. Perhaps the most haunting artifact was one lone child’s shoe complete with one little sock. It tells the story of not just one loss, but of millions of innocent lives lost. The experience was humbling and a reminder of why these topics need to be taught in our classrooms and never forgotten.
Following the Auschwitz exhibit, the group transitioned to other exhibits at the center. The Museum of Natural History and Science features dinosaur bones, a cave, and a glacier that one can explore to learn more about the ancient landscape. This exhibit was fun and interactive. The day ended with a tour of the historic Union Terminal which, during WWII, had 34,000 people passing through it in one day. While no longer active as a railroad terminal, the Union Terminal still boasts its art deco design complete with murals in the rotunda that beautifully capture the history of the US as well as the history of Cincinnati.
I would highly recommend, if possible, that fellow educators take their students to visit this museum. The Auschwitz exhibit will end on April 12th, but the rest of the galleries remain a permanent treasure for students of all ages to enjoy.
Nichole Caskey
Harrison County High School
Grades 11-12
