Helen Turner, the Director of Education for the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, is visiting Missouri State University to present an interactive session that guides participants through the challenges and opportunities encountered in the establishment of the Holocaust museum in Missouri in 2022. Gain valuable insights into the contemporary landscape of Holocaust education within museum settings, exploring the dynamic nature of how we remember and learn from the past.
The Holocaust in the Heartland: Building A Holocaust Museum in the Midwest
- Tuesday, March 26, 2024
- 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Meyer Library, room 101
- Free and open to campus and community
- Sponsored by the MSU History Department and the Office of Public Affairs Support
- For additional information contact the Office of Public Affairs Support at 417-836-8832.
Topics covered include:
- Challenges and Triumphs: Delve into the unique obstacles faced when creating a Holocaust museum in the heartland of America.
- Contemporary Education: Explore the evolution of Holocaust education within the context of a modern museum setting.
- Significance of Holocaust Education: Understand the crucial role of Holocaust education in fostering awareness, empathy, and remembrance.
- Charting the Future: Join Helen Turner in contemplating the future of Holocaust education and its impact on generations to come.
Benefits of attending:
- Insightful Perspectives: Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Holocaust education.
- Engaging Dialogue: Participate in an interactive discussion on the importance of preserving historical narratives.
- Community Connection: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about preserving and sharing history.
More about Helen Turner
Helen Turner serves as the Director of Education at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Her profound commitment to preserving and disseminating the lessons of history is evident in her academic journey and professional achievements.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University, Turner further honed her expertise by earning a master’s degree in history, with a specialization in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, from Stony Brook University. Her thesis delves into the intricate realms of collective Holocaust memory and memorial representation in museums.
Turner’s contributions to the field extend beyond academia, as evidenced by her notable chapter, “Resistance as Examined through Material Possessions in Auschwitz-Birkenau,” published in 2020. This work reflects nuanced aspects of resistance and material culture within the historical context of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Prior to her current role, Turner devoted seven years to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where she served in the Education department. Her exceptional dedication and leadership culminated in her appointment as the Director of Education for three years.
In July of 2022, Turner brought her wealth of experience and passion for Holocaust education to St. Louis, where she assumed the pivotal role of Director of Education at the newly established St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Her instrumental involvement in the design and successful launch of the Museum on November 2, 2022, underscores her commitment to fostering awareness and understanding of this crucial chapter in human history.
Publications: Turner, Helen. “Resistance as Examined through Material Possessions in Auschwitz-Birkenau,” Proceedings of the 21st Workshop on the History and Memory of National Socialist Camps and Extermination Sites: Between Resistance and Collaboration, Edited by Georg (Ed.)‚ Karoline, Meier (Ed.)‚ Verena, Oppermann (Ed.)‚ Paula A. Metropol, 2020, pp 27-42