Opening fall 2023, Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark is the Museum’s first exhibition for children ages 9 and up and their families. The exhibition will bring the lessons of the Holocaust to life through the remarkable story of Danish resistance during World War II. Together, Jewish and non-Jewish neighbors of all ages mobilized to create one of the most effective—and exceptional—examples of mass resistance and escape in modern history. Despite the enormous risk, these ordinary citizens united against Nazism to save nearly 95% of Denmark’s Jewish population.
Using state-of-the-art technology and creative storytelling, Courage to Act will immerse visitors in this inspiring story. Age-appropriate themes of separation, bravery, and resilience will help young people make connections to their own lives and reflect on the dangers of prejudice—as well as their own potential for compassionate, moral, and courageous collective action and upstanding.
Also featured in the exhibition is the story of the Gerda III, one of many small vessels used in the Danish Rescue. The Gerda III alone saved an estimated 300 Jews in groups of 10 – 15 at a time on clandestine journeys across the Øresund Sound to Sweden. Twenty-two-year-old Henny Sinding Sundø, who led Gerda III’s rescue activities, will be among the exhibition’s narrators telling stories of their experiences during the Danish Rescue. Donated to the Museum by the Danish Parliament in 1989, the Gerda III is currently docked at The Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut.
In a climate of widespread antisemitism and Holocaust denial, Courage to Act will address a critical need by reaching younger children, whose Holocaust education in New York City public schools typically begins in the eighth grade.
Courage to Act is designed by the award-winning studio Local Projects, a renowned firm specializing in the use of technology to tell stories and evoke emotional connection.
As we prepare to open Courage to Act in fall 2023, we invite you to support this essential exhibition and sign up for our email list to stay connected and involved through special programs and events.
Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark is made possible with leadership support from Regina Skyer, Jonathan Goldberg, and Family; and Jane Oster Sinisi and the Oster Family Foundation.
Generous support is provided by presenting partners Amy and Rob Feilbogen; Patti Askwith Kenner and Family; Bruce Ratner and Family; and Yes I Can.
With special thanks to our benefactors Bloomberg Philanthropies; New York State with the assistance of Assembly Member Dan Quart; Thanks To Scandinavia; Laurie M. Tisch; and in Loving Memory of Penny Lieberman.
Additional support provided by advocates The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation; The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation; and Wendy Lowenstein Sandler and Neil Sandler; and by sponsors Ellen & Ronald Block Family Foundation; The Achelis & Bodman Foundation; Anonymous; Anonymous II; The Bialik Fund for Freilachkeit; Corner Foundation; David Berg Foundation; the Gallery Educator Friends of the Museum; the Gray Foundation; Benor and Dorit Gurfel Foundation in memory of Leizer and Rebecca Gurfel z”l and Isaak and Sara Fish z”l; Bob and Susan Morgenthau; Stacey, Marc, Elliott and Jared Saiontz; and Mark and Jane Wilf.
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