As we reflect on the impact of the Americans and the Holocaust exhibit, we are deeply grateful for the many individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and support made this extraordinary opportunity possible for our community. The exhibit welcomed 1,223 visitors, with an additional 1,134 attending programs and presentations. One can only imagine how many more might have participated had the exhibit not been scheduled during Christmas Break. A heartfelt thank you to all who traveled near and far to attend.

We begin by thanking the dedicated staff of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association, especially Eric Schmalz, Rebecca Erbeldin, Hayley Prihoda, and Kaileen McGourty, whose guidance and resources made it possible for our small community to host a nationally traveling exhibit of this magnitude.

We extend sincere appreciation to our local leadership and governing bodies whose vision and support allowed this exhibit to come to Ellinwood: the USD 355 Board of Education, the Ellinwood City Library Board, the Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation, the Ellinwood Police Department, and the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks to Administration, Mr. Ben Jacobs and Mrs. Aly Eliason, for their leadership and encouragement throughout the process.

We are grateful to our core planning committee, Aly Eliason, Gaila Demel, Nancy Baird, Becca Maxwell, Connie Mitchum, and Amy Hammeke, whose collaboration and steady commitment guided this project from concept to completion.

Thank you to Amy Hammeke for scheduling, editing, marketing, book displays, and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities, and to Karie Gibson for her work with book displays and circulation. Treva Paden, Heather Dombroski, and Dana Drake generously worked their nights and weekends to keep patrons engaged throughout the exhibit. Thank you to Madison Dombroski, Library Student Aide, for organizing the passive programming and panel displays. Cindy and Doug Crandall generously assisted with setup efforts. Ryan Koetter, Paul Huschka, Mike Baker, Jerri Codner, Zac Schwartz, and Tony Klepper contributed their expertise in numerous ways, including critical IT support to restore the kiosk tablet and keep technology functioning properly.

We are deeply appreciative of our presenters who enriched the experience for all who attended: Rick Reed, Andrew Maraniss, Peter Stern, Jessica Rockhold, Dr. Shelly Cline, and Dr. Melissa Karp.

Thank you to Larry Drees, Connie Mitchum, Lisa McMullen, and Jo Ann Roth for serving as docents, training our NHS student docents, and offering dependable support throughout the exhibit. Our NHS students deserve tremendous recognition for serving as setup and takedown crews, docents, ambassadors, photographers and documentarians, timeline display creators, and exhibit maintenance teams. Their leadership and dedication were truly inspiring.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Ellinwood Ministerial Alliance, Fr. Aneesh, Gaila Demel, and Jennifer Klepper for creating meaningful reflection areas that provided visitors space for contemplation and response.

We are grateful to Barb Shunn and Susie Haver for displays from POW Camp Concordia and Cloud County Tourism; to Joe and Joyce Schulte from the Museum of Ellinwood; and to Jane Wahlmeier for sharing the remarkable double-sided silk map of Europe, which added depth and local connection to the exhibit experience.

A very special acknowledgment goes to Toby Holmes, who played a critical role in the exhibit’s success. From attending the personal tour in Washington, D.C., to assisting in leading the setup, organization, and takedown of the main exhibit, his involvement was invaluable. He repaired and coordinated exhibit materials, assisted speakers with transporting everyday objects, managed the loading, transport, setup, takedown, and return of the partner exhibit, and handled countless essential details to ensure smooth operations every step of the way, ensuring that every detail was handled seamlessly.

Finally, I am certain there are individuals I have unintentionally omitted, and for that I sincerely apologize. As you can see, it took a tremendous number of people working together to host this exhibit. To every volunteer, supporter, partner, and attendee, thank you for helping bring this important history to our community.

Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.