The Anne Frank Exhibition: A Powerful Journey Into History

The Life of Anne Frank

Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank was born on June 12th, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany. At just four and a half years old, she and her family fled to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, seeking refuge from the rising tide of Nazi persecution. For a time, they lived in relative peace, but everything changed with the Nazi Invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940. As anti-Jewish laws intensified, Anne and her family—father Otto, mother Edith and sister Margot—went into hiding in 1942.

Their sanctuary, known today as the "Secret Annex," was a concealed space behind a bookcase in the building where Otto Frank worked. Over the next two years, Anne chronicled her experiences, fears, hopes and reflections in a diary given to her for her 13th birthday. Her writing provides an intimate, poignant and often surprisingly optimistic view of life in hiding, reflecting her resilience, humor and unwavering dreams.

On August 4th, 1944, the Frank family’s hiding place was discovered. They were arrested by the Gestapo and eventually deported to Auschwitz. Later, in November 1944, Anne and her sister Margot were transferred to the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, where both tragically perished just months before the war ended.

Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the family, returned to Amsterdam after the war. There, he discovered that Anne’s diary had been safeguarded by two of his former employees, Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl. Recognizing the power of Anne’s words and her desire to be a writer, he took the extraordinary step of publishing her diary in 1947. First released in Dutch, it was translated into English in 1952 under the title The Diary of a Young Girl. The book has since been translated into over 70 languages, making Anne’s story a cornerstone of Holocaust education and a universal symbol of the human spirit.

Inside the Exhibition

The Anne Frank Exhibition at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center offers an immersive experience, bringing visitors closer to Anne's world. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a detailed model of the Secret Annex, providing an intimate look at the confined space where Anne and her family lived in hiding. This visual representation allows visitors to grasp the daily challenges faced by those in hiding—the lack of privacy, the constant fear of discovery and the small joys that sustained them.

A centerpiece of the exhibition is a Limited Edition copy of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. Only 350 of these numbered copies exist in the world. The Holocaust Documentation and Education Center is privileged to display one of them, generously donated by Paul Hart. This rare edition is signed by both the renowned artist Joseph Goldyne and the book’s designer, Barry Mosner, making it a valuable and deeply symbolic artifact.

Why Anne Frank’s Story Still Matters

The impact of Anne Frank’s diary cannot be overstated. More than just a historical document, it is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, a reminder of the horrors of prejudice and intolerance and a call for compassion and understanding. Anne’s words resonate with readers of all ages, as she speaks not only of fear and suffering but also of hope, dreams and the unbreakable belief in human goodness.

In today’s world, where discrimination and persecution still exist, Anne’s diary continues to serve as a beacon of awareness and education. The exhibition challenges visitors to reflect on history and to consider how they can contribute to a more just and tolerant society.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors are encouraged to experience this moving exhibition firsthand. Tickets are available through: www.Eventbrite.com, allowing guests to reserve their spot for this extraordinary journey through history.

Exhibition Location: Holocaust Documentation and Education Center

303 North Federal Highway, Dania Beach, Florida 33004

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-anne-frank-exhibition-tour-tickets-1007810808257?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Anne Frank Exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with one of history’s most compelling voices. By visiting, you not only honor Anne’s legacy but also contribute to the ongoing mission of Holocaust education and remembrance. Don’t miss this chance to witness history up close and to be inspired by a young girl whose words continue to change the world.

For more information, call: (954) 929-5690.