Tonight our group arrived in Amsterdam.  ”I’m excited because it’s always a joy and pleasure to teach young people, not just about the Holocaust, but about recognizing our own prejudices by examining recent history,” says Museum Without Walls Executive Director Suzzanne Lacey. Prior to our journey, the students and chaperones answered the question: What Do You Hope To Learn From This Trip?  Read on to see what they had to say.

“I want to learn more about the Holocaust and go in deeper about the many stories I learned in school.” — Samantha Buchard

“I have been fascinated by the history of this time and place for many years. I am hoping to be able to enhance my knowledge of the resistance movement in Amsterdam and Haarlem. By being in the actual places, I think I will gain a greater feel for the people of the time and their courage.” — Julie Blaugher

“I would like to go to Plötzensee Memorial Center in Berlin, which is somewhat near where we are staying and see how they organized that memorial. I am always intrigued how memorials are set up and their intended purpose.” — Kelly Wheeler

“I hope to experience the culture and history of a foreign country. I look forward to meeting the people, sampling the cuisine, and seeing the sights offered on this trip.” — Michael Berger

“I hope to learn about the role that the Netherlands and especially the part that Amsterdam had in the protection of the Jewish people.” —- Cindy Evans

“As a Samoan/German, I am hoping to learn more about my heritage.My Oma, who was only a little girl during WWII doesn’t always feel comfortable speaking about it.” — Jacob Charlson

“As a middle school teacher, I hope to learn as much as possible. My students read “The Diary of Anne Frank” and I want to keep them engaged during this unit with knowledge and stories I can share during class.” — Thu Do

“Truly I want to learn anything that will be useful as I teach my Holocaust unit so that I will be able to convey to my students my own passion for doing right no matter the cost and hopefully instill that passion in them to be lifelong upstanders. I think specifically I am very interested in rescue and resistance since that seems to be where I am weak and yet examples of resistance and rescue could be the inspiration my students would most benefit from.” — Debbie Carlson