Anne Frank Exhibit a Success

With just a few days until its close in Halifax, the Anne Frank in the World, 1929-1945 exhibition is expected to have been viewed by more than 3,000 students from across the province.

The exhibit, on loan from the Anne Frank Center in New York, has been visited by more than 79 school classes since its Halifax opening on Oct. 24.

"We were really pleased with the participation of youth from around Nova Scotia," said Michael Noonan, acting director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "Reaching the next generation and ensuring they understand the implications of hatred and discrimination is instrumental in creating a better future for our communities."

In addition to the students, almost 6,000 visitors ventured to the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History for the exhibition.

"The Anne Frank exhibit has provided the museum with an opportunity to bring an important exhibition to Nova Scotians and especially its youth," said Janet Maltby, manager of the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. "It has allowed us to draw the attention of the community to human rights issues and their place within the past and present."

The exhibit was the inspiration for the 2006 Partners Against Racism International Human Rights Day event. The museum hosted holocaust remembrance presentations with the Atlantic Jewish Council during November. The popular sessions included discussions, readings and films.

"This has been one of the biggest public education initiatives the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has engaged in," said Mr. Noonan. "It has made a positive impact on the community and is a strong expression of our mandate to reach out to Nova Scotians in a dialogue about human rights."

Mr. Noonan also acknowledged the efforts of commission and museum staff, volunteers and the contribution of various sponsors, including presenting sponsor Southwest Properties.

The exhibition will close Sunday, Jan. 28.