Penn State’s Pattee and Paterno libraries are one of 50 locations selected this year to host “Americans and the Holocaust,” a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The exhibit provides an overview of what happened prior to U.S. involvement in World War II. It details what was known and understood about Nazism by Americans in the 1930s and 40s.

“Americans and the Holocaust,” located in Pattee Library’s Leisure Room, will be on display until Thursday, March 10. It opened on Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was recognized on Thursday, January 27

Graphics like the one above were used in the exhibit to reveal public opinions of that time.

“The University Libraries is proud to host this important and powerful traveling exhibition,” said Faye A. Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications, in a release. “I invite the community — including faculty who wish to incorporate it into their course work — to explore the exhibition and thoughtfully curated related programming, and answer for themselves not only “what would I have done” but also “what will I do?”   

Xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism played a role in the way Americans viewed U.S. involvement in the war which affected how many Americans acted even when they were aware of what was happening.

The exhibit uses images and documentation to reveal stories from the time.

Advocacy from those who were aware and inspired to act played a role in U.S. involvement.

Beyond the images and stories, there is also an interactive element to the exhibit. Three touch screens are available to help visitors learn more.

A public tour of “Americans and the Holocaust” will take place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 24. Those interested should meet outside the library’s Curtin Road entrance.