Upcoming Events

Exhibit Opening Presentation and Reception • Register here.

Yellow Ribbons for Our Loved Ones was created by a mother-daughter duo, Camille and Anya Davidson. Please join us on Sunday, July 20th, 4:30-6:00 p.m. to hear from this inspiring mother-daughter team who conceived of, and created, a project designed as both a call to action and a coming together of community in shared grief, hope, and an urge to do something tangible in the presence of painful waiting. If you wish to create and bring a yellow ribbon to the event, learn more at Stitch Them Home.

Camille and Anya, dual citizens of Israel and America and were inspired by the idea of a community-led project using knitted or crocheted yellow ribbons to call for the release of the hostages taken from Israel on October 7th, 2023. After months of feeling hopeless and distraught, they decided to channel their sorrow into creativity and advocacy. It has evolved and changed with the situation, but the yellow ribbon remains the symbol of the hostages. The exhibit is to bring awareness to the continued plight of the hostages and their families after nearly 2 years. 

There are still 50 hostages in Gaza—on display are their pictures along with a few words about them. Together, Anya and her artist mother Camille Davidson launched this project by hosting friends and community members at her mother’s gallery in Readfield. People gathered to knit and crochet while learning more about the hostages and the efforts to bring them home. Many also made ribbons at their homes and sent them to contribute to the display. Each ribbon is lovingly created with them in mind. We cannot forget about them and their families. #BringThemHomeNow!

Soul Survivors Book

We are thrilled to collaborate on a beautiful book by and about Maine Holocaust survivors as a resource for students and teachers. Through the Lens: Creating Soul Survivors by Photographer Jack Montgomery will showcase stunning portraits paired with the survivor’s story about suffering, persevering and surviving the Holocaust to go on and build a new life in America. These people founded and built the Holocaust and Human Rights Center—remaining steadfast supporters and members of our close community. The book is brings together projects that date back to the beginning of the HHRC and building of the Michael Klahr Center. We are indebted to Jack, and thrilled that these evocative portraits and heartbreaking, inspiring stories now exist in a book. Writes Jack, “The things we save can become the means for our recovery. I am moved by every aspect of these stories … And I am forever grateful to the survivors for giving us this record, which no amount of denial or historical revisionism can ever erase. We are in their debt.” A generous donor has funded the gift of a free copy to every school in Maine.

Commemorating 40 Exceptional Years

Through several initiatives in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary celebration, we will preserve the stories and voices of our founders, Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Maine to rebuild their lives. As it turned out, they also changed the state, bringing advocacy and education to students by traveling the state telling their stories, and speaking out against antisemitism and bigotry. This project will include a stunning book, collaborative educational programs, four art exhibits, a Timeline structured by decade, and a joyous celebration Gala.