The U.S. and the Holocaust
"The U.S. and the Holocaust" is a three-part documentary directed and produced by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein that explores America's response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises in history. The series premiered on Panhandle PBS in September of 2022, but will reair at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays, January 6, 13 and 20.
Combining the first-person accounts of Holocaust witnesses and survivors and interviews with leading historians and writers, "The U.S. and the Holocaust" dispels competing myths that Americans either were ignorant of the unspeakable persecution that Jews and other targeted minorities faced in Europe or that they looked on with callous indifference. The film tackles a range of questions that remain essential to our society today, including how racism influences policies related to immigration and refugees as well as how governments and people respond to the rise of authoritarian states that manipulate history and facts to consolidate power.
"The U.S. and the Holocaust" is inspired in part by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibition. Amarillo Public Library was one of only 50 libraries in the country – and the only public library in Texas – to be selected to host a traveling version of this exhibition, which was on display at the Downtown Library from September 17 through October 23, 2022.
Local Content
"Witness" – A Panhandle PBS Local Content Rebroadcast
Maria Madi was a Hungarian doctor who hid her Jewish friend and the woman's nephew during the Nazi occupation of Budapest. Decades later, Panhandle PBS interviewed the boy that Maria saved about his memories of the Holocaust and Madi's bravery. These stories, as well as the tales told in Madi's 16 diary notebooks and context provided by a historian with the United States Holocaust Museum will be explored in this 2017 "Live Here" episode from Panhandle PBS.
Live Here
Witness
Steve Walton and historian Rebecca Erbelding discuss the diaries of Walton’s grandmother.
National Events
Virtual Conversations
The Holocaust and Refugees, Lessons for Today – A conversation with Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein
An hour-long discussion with filmmakers and special guests in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), featuring clips from the new three-part series, "The U.S. and the Holocaust," by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein.
The Holocaust and Authoritarianism Today – A conversation with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
An hour-long discussion with filmmakers and special guests in partnership with Freedom House, featuring clips from the new three-part series, "The U.S. and the Holocaust," by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein.
National Events for Educators
PBS LearningMedia Collection on "The U.S. and the Holocaust"
Film Preview for Educators: A Live Conversation with Filmmakers Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein
In anticipation of the broadcast of their new film, "The U.S. and the Holocaust," Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein will discuss the important themes the documentary will address and the opportunities the film provides for teaching about Holocaust history, as well as American history. This event will be the first in a series of programs to support integrating film content into your teaching. Find additional information on the registration page.
Watch this archived event here: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/us-and-the-holocaust/#events
Understanding History Using Media: Elevating Survivor Narratives
Filmmaker Lynn Novick will be joined by survivor Susan (Hilsenrath) Warsinger, a United States Holocaust Memorial Museum volunteer who is featured in the film, to discuss her memories and personal history and share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the importance of survivor stories for understanding Holocaust history. Susan will also share her perspectives as a former seventh grade teacher, why she hopes educators will use the film, and what she believes students can learn from it.
Watch this archived event here: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/us-and-the-holocaust/#events
Community Events
Previous Film Screenings
Amarillo Public Library organized additional local programs to enhance understanding of the exhibition. Panhandle PBS was proud to be a local sponsor of these events, including these film screenings featuring PBS content.
"The U.S. and the Holocaust" Preview Screening and Discussion (60 min)
Thursday, September 8, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
Downtown Library, 413 SE 4th Ave
This preview screening was a "first look" at the new Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein documentary film, "The U.S. and the Holocaust" which premiered on Panhandle PBS on September 18, 2022. Featuring segments from multiple episodes of the series, the film explores America's response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises in history. Combining first-person accounts of Holocaust witnesses and survivors and interviews with leading historians and writers, "The U.S. and the Holocaust" dispels competing myths that Americans were either ignorant of the unspeakable persecution that Jews and other targeted minorities faced in Europe or that they looked on with callous indifference.
"Witness" – A Special Screening and Discussion with Panhandle PBS
Thursday, October 20, 2022, 7 p.m.
Moderated by Program Producer/Host Karen Welch of Panhandle PBS, with special guest Steve Walton
Maria Madi was a Hungarian doctor who hid her Jewish friend and the woman's nephew during the Nazi occupation of Budapest. Decades later, Panhandle PBS interviewed the boy that Maria saved about his memories of the Holocaust and Madi's bravery. These stories, as well as the tales told in Madi's 16 diary notebooks and context provided by a historian with the United States Holocaust Museum were explored in this screening and discussion.
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