Abstract

This study focuses on identifying and understanding the narratives displayed by American Holocaust museums. Specifically, this is a case study of the historical narratives portrayed by the Holocaust Memorial Center (HMC), the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), and the Museum of Tolerance (MOT). After I observe each of these museums, I apply a master criterion set to each institution and which then determines its quality. I contend that a quality Holocaust museum portrays the Nazi genocide in a way that emphasizes its distinctiveness from other genocides. In light of museum construction and American Holocaust museum scholarship, along with the application of my criteria, it is my determination that the HMC is the best Holocaust museum of the three because of its portrayal of concepts such as antisemitism, the Nazi regime, the relationship between the Holocaust and WWII, and the avoidance of asserting pluralistic lessons.

Advisor

Friedman, Joan

Department

History

Disciplines

Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Keywords

Holocaust; museums; narratives

Publication Date

2021

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2021 Rachel D. Ginsburg