Darkness Into Life

An exhibit designed to educate through shared memories, inspire by example, and celebrate the lives of twenty Alabama Holocaust survivors. 

Darkness into Life: Alabama Holocaust Survivors through Photography and Art

On loan from the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center to accompany this year's USA Common Read/Common World book selection Maus, this powerful exhibit teaches the history of the Holocaust and offers a rich understanding of its impact on these individuals and their families. 

In this sensitive assembly of photography by Becky Seitel and art by Mitzi J. Levin, viewers are provided intimate glimpses into the private memories of twenty Alabama Holocaust survivors. Seitel and Levin spent hours visiting each survivor and listening to their stories. The survivors began with their memories of life before occupation and imprisonment. Their stories continue with their lives in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile and Opelika. Both artists provide bold, thought-provoking and moving paintings and photographs with text explaining the personal stories behind each piece. Survivor biographies and maps provide an additional historical dimension to the exhibit.

“Through the stories of these Alabama Holocaust survivors, we hope to impart this history, as well as a richer understanding of its impact on these individuals and their families, to a larger audience. View their pictures. Read their stories. Allow this exhibition to move you.” - Becky Seitel, Photographer, and Mitzi J. Levin, Artist Darkness into Life

The exhibit will be on display at the Archaeology Museum beginning August 16, 2016 through May 31, 2017. 

Upcoming Programs and Events

APRIL 2017

"The Amazing Life of Agnes Tennenbaum," a presentation by Ms. Patricia Silverman, April 20, 2017, 6pm (FREE)

Patricia Silverman, a "courier of memory" trained by Holocaust scholar Plater Robinson recalls the experience of Agnes Tennenbaum. Agnes was a resident of Hungary who survived Auschwitz and worked as a slave laborer in Allendorf munitions factory. Mrs. Silverman presents the context of Agnes' Holocaust journey, and Agnes' personal life before and after the war. The presentation features clips from a 2015 interview and samples of Agnes' prose and poetry.