“Anne Frank: A HIStory for Today” Exhibit at YHS
A powerful travelling exhibition from the Anne Frank House arrived at York House in January, marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day and bringing Anne's story to life. This multimedia experience illuminated the history of the Holocaust and Second World War, inviting not only our York House community but also students from neighbouring schools to examine important lessons in history.
Our Senior School students didn’t just observe; they led while they learned. After receiving specialized two-day training from the Anne Frank House, a group of York House student docents guided attendees through this immersive exhibition, bringing Anne’s perspective to life to more than 420 attendees.
“It’s really interesting for all the different people to take part in this exhibit,” Eva '28 reflected on her experience as a docent. “It was very informative to know their perspectives, their backgrounds of knowledge. Their reaction really shows the importance of learning about these topics.”
“When I was talking about the Holocaust or the concentration camps, younger kids, especially, found these kinds of stories and history unimaginable,” Naiya '29 described, “[they] thought…something like that could never happen today.”
Through exhibit panels, short film, and virtual reality sets, the school community explored the deeper meanings for bearing witness to resilience, becoming a keeper of memory, and ensuring that history's important lessons continue to resonate through generations.
“Anne Frank's story reminds us that remembrance is not just about the past,” reflected Ayla '27, a student leader who organized the guided tours. “It shapes how we recognize injustice, how we respond to hate, and how we choose to treat one another today.”
“It’s our duty as citizens to stand up for others who might be facing a similar situation, even if it’s on a way lower level,” Mirabelle '28 commented.
Students were encouraged to deepen their understanding through curated publications available at our Junior and Senior Learning Commons, and by exploring perspectives shared by Yorkies during the Second World War, preserved in the YHS Museum and Archives.
Hosting “Anne Frank: A History for Today” reminds us that stories are the bridges between past and present. Young voices like our student docents keep history alive; not as distant facts, but as living lessons that shape how we understand ourselves and our world.
“After learning about the history of the Holocaust, Anne Frank, and her story, it’s important as a society and a community to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again,” Bel '29 stated.
This partnership with the Anne Frank House is made possible with the guidance and support of Mr. Mathew Chyzyk, Learning Strategies Teacher and Pluralism and Discourse Lead, and Dr. Alex Lesk, English Teacher and Instructional Lead, with the support from YHS facilities staff.
“It has been such an honour to be part of the team that facilitated bringing this exhibit to York House. Being able to offer the virtual reality experience of exploring the Secret Annex allowed us to add a unique additional angle for our visitors,” Alex reflected.
York House is grateful to all the school groups, alums, parents, and guardians for joining our students in this moment of remembrance and reflection. Through collaboration and shared commitment in this initiative, students demonstrated the power of collective learning that would inspire one another to deepen their knowledge and understanding.
