Contact: Becky Plunkett, (515) 281-8976
Sarah Oltrogge, (515) 281-4011

DES MOINES, Iowa - As communities across the nation prepare to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah) April 8-9, the State Historical Society of Iowa has available to the public one of its research collections of special relevance to those studying one of the most tragic events in history.

During the 1980s, Adele Anolik of Des Moines directed a project to obtain video testimonials of her husband, Charles, and seven other Des Moines residents who were survivors of the Holocaust. These videotapes were placed at Yale University's Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonials. In 1999, through special arrangements with the Fortunoff archive, Anolik placed a duplicate set of the Des Moines testimonials with the State Historical Society of Iowa's special collections where they could be viewed more readily by a local audience. In addition to the tapes, she also donated her documentation files from the video project, as well as other Holocaust-related materials. This collection provides a lasting local connection to events which, for many Iowans, now seem a remote chapter of world history.

This collection, identified as the "Des Moines Holocaust Survivors Project," is available for use Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the State Historical Library, located in the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines. Those wishing to view the videotapes are encouraged to call 515-281-6863 in advance so equipment can be prepared.

###

Return to What's New Section