Holocaust Survivor testimony is the most effective and valuable tool to relate personal accounts of Holocaust history. The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center (BHEC) enlists the speaking talents of local Holocaust Survivors, Children of Survivors, as well as our Guardians of Remembrance. From those who experienced the death camps to those in hiding, each story is unique and compelling. The BHEC will make arrangements for these speakers to share their stories.
To Request a Speaker
Please fill out a Speaker Request Form so that we may process your request.
Please consult our Speaker Profiles before filling out this form as you will be asked your speaker preference.
In addition to Holocaust survivors, we now have our Guardians of Remembrance - individuals who have trained to tell the story of a survivor who is no longer able to do so.
You will receive confirmation of your request within 5-10 business days. We will try our best to fill your request.
- Please submit your request at least 3 weeks in advance.
- Speakers are not able to present multiple times in one day, so we encourage classes to be combined.
- If you are requesting a particular Speaker, please note the Speaker's name on your submission form.
- As these presentations are emotional for both students and the Speaker, we ask that the facilitator be present at all times and that the audience not enter or leave the room during the presentation.
Age Level
The BHEC recommends Holocaust Speakers for students in the 6th grade and above. For younger students, we recommend programs on respect, citizenship, justice and civic responsibility as precursors for future Holocaust and genocide / human rights education.
Group Size
The BHEC prefers a minimum of 30 students to schedule an outreach visit. We encourage combining classrooms in order to reach as many students as possible.
Preparation
Hearing a survivor speak is a supplement to your Holocaust curriculum. It is not intended as a replacement for formal Holocaust study. Please take time to view the following links to assist in your preparation.
- Preparing Your Class to Meet with a Holocaust Survivor (pdf)
- Speaker Profiles
- Darkness into Life: Alabama Holocaust Survivors through Photography and Art
- Freelance Reflection Questionnaire, a classroom exercise to be used after speaker (pdf)
Length of Presentation
Speakers usually need at least 60 minutes of uninterrupted time to tell their stories and answer questions.
Distance Limitations
Due to the advanced age of many of the survivors, they will be unable to travel extended distances from the Birmingham area. If this is the case, please contact our Speakers Bureau Coordinator so that we can make alternate arrangements.
Fee
While we do not charge a fee for our outreach program, donations to our educational efforts are graciously accepted.
Checks should be made payable to: Alabama Holocaust Foundation / BHEC.
Mail to: Birmingham Holocaust Education Center
P.O. Box 130805
Birmingham, AL 35213-0805
Notes of Appreciation
Speakers appreciate thanks from their audience after their presentation. Letters or cards can be sent to:
Birmingham Holocaust Education Center
Attn: [Speaker's Name]
P.O. Box 130805
Birmingham, AL 35213-0805
