MEMORY PROJECT

Using the power of art, story and media to help people connect and understand our common humanity.

This video and story both made what happened with the Jews during Hitler’s rule seem so much more real. This video did a great job in capturing the story and the emotional connection the artist and her mother both had to the events.

-Andrea W.

I will remember drawing my great grandmother and laughing about my representation, but feel really good about how much time I took dedicated to doing this project about her. The presentation was the most meaningful part because I was sharing part of my own life through my ancestor’s.

-Juliette R.

I really liked how there was repetition, not in a bad way, but in a way that makes me feel bad/sad. This piece can really get to you and many people can relate to this if not just about the Holocaust.

-Vincent L.

Before doing the project, I never really thought about how great my mom was. I mean I knew she was great but I never looked at the reasons why.

-Eileen R.

I really, truly enjoyed this project. I also loved hearing about my classmate’s experiences. I never really knew how much I don’t know my classmates. It has taught me not to assume I know everything about someone.

-T.K.

What I learned about my friend’s experience, which relates to the Holocaust, is that no matter what happens, keep trying to go on.

-Brian S.

I thought the entire process was really cool because when I was interviewing my mom, she got really emotional about some things and laughed about others. I felt like there was a new connection between my mom and I, and my mom and her family.

-Morgan J.

I think that the connection of art to history is very important because it can help you visualize things more. Also, when you are actually doing something you are able to form even a deeper connection to the subject, or at least I am personally, because you are doing something with your hands as well as your mind.

-Ariel C.

I was amazed to see my grandfather so young. It was interesting to see that he was once a young man too. Making art based on him felt like I was honoring him.

-Anna C.

The most meaningful part was definitely the drawing. Trying to remake my great grandfather’s emotions into a drawing was very hard and rewarding thing to do.

-Jake B.

You really get a sense of who a person is, and what they went through. In reality, these hardships are what bring human kind together.

-Kassandra P.

That you look at a person differently when [you] know what they’ve experienced in their lives.

-Tyler K.

I will remember how much of a struggle he went through and never again will I look down upon him for dropping out of high school. I understand now.

-Adrianne B.

I will remember how much more I learned about my cousin’s death. It was hard to talk about but it felt good after.

-Liam M.

I noticed how each painting looked like Kalman but none of the paintings were that similar.

-Alice F.

I will remember my grandfather’s story forever. Hearing his story from him was the most meaningful part, and how exciting it was for him.

-Ryan

I like how art can be used to express the emotions and mindset of past events that we can only read about in textbooks and not truly experience ourselves…I really liked learning about how observation and focusing on light and shadows can evoke feeling from a plain piece of paper; it’s truly magic.

…I too, from photo and the interview, have learned more about my family’s history as well as to embrace the history more than I have. I will continue to learn more and immerse myself and appreciate all of that my family have underwent in order for me to live the life that I live now.

-Isabella C.

The Memory Project is a catalyst for thinking about the impact of the Holocaust on individuals, about the potency of the creative process, and the importance and possibilities of communicating history across generations.  

It’s ideal for use as an introduction to the Holocaust with middle and high-school students, and can be used at any point in your curriculum. Many materials are available free or charge.

View and download free materials.

View work done by other students.

Amazing stories and art done by students at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in NYC. (2010)