The free traveling exhibit opening with Maples Repertory Theatre's Diary of Anne Frank run tells Anne Frank's life story and the history around it, including the rise of Nazism, World War II, and the Holocaust, the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina said Monday.
Diana Serhal, an education specialist at the center, said the exhibit, Anne Frank – A History for Today, also covers the beginning of the 1900s and the war's aftermath.
"The exhibit's title reflects that even though all this happened in the past, it means something for the present and we can learn from it," Serhal said. "What that learning experience and message is, is up to the visitors to decide."
Maples is presenting the exhibit Sept. 23 through Oct. 11 at 132 Vine St. in Macon, across the street from the Royal Theatre, according to the theatre's show page. The Macon Chronicle previously reported the exhibit runs alongside Maples' production of The Diary of Anne Frank, Sept. 23 through Oct. 4 at 102 N. Rubey St.
Serhal said communities that host the exhibit typically arrange details by email or phone with the center. The minimum hosting period is two weeks, and volunteer tour guides usually train for two days before the exhibit opens to the public.
"Typical hosts are middle and high schools, higher education institutions, libraries, museums, community centers and theaters," Serhal said. A History for Today is the center's most popular traveling exhibition, Serhal said. The center also offers Anne Frank – Let Me Be Myself for middle schools and older, and Reading and Writing with Anne Frank for elementary students.
For schools seeking lesson materials, Serhal pointed to the Anne Frank House website at annefrank.org/en, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at ushmm.org, the center's own site at annefrankcenter.com, and Echoes and Reflections at echoesandreflections.org.
She said questions about Maples' hosting of the exhibit or the play should go to the theatre. Chariton Media Group did not receive a response in time for publication from Maples Artistic Director Todd J. Davison.
Exhibit hours listed by Maples are noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus one hour before and after each performance. Admission is free. Group or school visits can be arranged through the Maples box office at 660-385-2924.