Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: James Sedlis 
Location: Merrill Hall Auditorium, B10

Speaker Biography: James Sedlis, the son of two Holocaust survivors, will share the remarkable story of his father, who fought for the Lithuanian Jewish resistance during World War II. His father also joined Soviet forces against the Germans, hiding in forest bunkers and engaging in street-to-street combat to help reclaim Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. James’ presentation will highlight acts of resistance to the Nazi regime and offer insight into Holocaust experiences beyond the camps and ghettos.

Remembrance Program Archives (1982-2025)
Contains information on past remembrance programs, including streaming video, newspaper articles, photos, program flyers, and more.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship ensures this long-standing program remains accessible, impactful, and relevant for future generations. It also expands the program’s reach by increasing student involvement and strengthening community partnerships. Support for the Holocaust Remembrance Program underwrites speakers, educational materials, student engagement, and community outreach.

Imagining the Holocaust Writing Contest
The Imagining the Holocaust Program recognizes outstanding student achievement through cash prizes and supports educators through classroom grant opportunities. By engaging with Holocaust history and literature, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and civic responsibility through meaningful writing and multimodal composition. Middle and high school students may submit entries in commemorative poetry, creative nonfiction, and multimodal composition. Winning entries receive cash prizes of $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place.

The program also supports teachers through annual Classroom Grants and an interdisciplinary Teaching Circle Grant. These awards help educators obtain materials and resources that enhance the teaching of Holocaust history and literature while fostering student writing, reflection, and engagement. Educators in English/Language Arts, History, Social Studies, Fine Arts, World Languages, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the Imagining the Holocaust Program, please go to our website at the following link: Imagining the Holocaust website 

Contact Program Planners
E-mail program planners for information or questions about the annual Holocaust Remembrance program.

National Days of Remembrance
The national Days of Remembrance program observed by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.