Program will highlight, through GIS, journey of Holocaust survivors to Midwest

LAWRENCE — The Jewish Studies Program at the University of Kansas will host a public presentation of "Through Hell to the Midwest: A Holocaust Mapping Project." The project uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the oral testimonies of Holocaust survivors. 

The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Pine Room of the Kansas Union and will also be accessible online. Pre-registration for the virtual event is required. 

"Through Hell to the Midwest" highlights the harrowing journeys of Holocaust survivors from Central and Eastern Europe, illustrating how they overcame unimaginable hardships to rebuild their lives in the American Midwest. This project is a testament to resilience and the power of storytelling, as it connects history with modern technology to enhance understanding of the Holocaust and its effect on individual lives. 

The event will feature insights from co-creator Amber Nickell, assistant professor of history at Fort Hays State University, who specializes in Holocaust and genocide studies, historical geographies, and Central and Eastern European history. Additionally, co-creator Hollie Marquess, a lecturer in the history program at Fort Hays State with expertise in gender and sexuality studies, American Midwestern history and social-cultural history, will share her perspectives on this vital project. 

This event is organized by the KU Jewish Studies Program through a partnership with the History and Philosophy departments at Fort Hays State University. KU co-sponsors include the departments of American Studies, Anthropology, Geography, History, Religious Studies, and Slavic, European & Eurasian Studies; the centers for East Asian, Global & International and Russian & East European Studies; the Max Kade Center for German American Studies; the Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities and the Jewish Faculty & Staff Council. Community co-sponsors include KU Hillel, KU Chabad, The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation. 

For more information, visit the presentation website.