Exhibit, lectures, play highlight children of the Holocaust, Sept. 23-Nov. 2
September 18, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Anne Frank photo courtesy of the Lanpher Memorial Library
Several events in Lamoille County over the next several weeks will highlight the lives of children during the Holocaust, including an exhibit at the Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park and the Lamoille County Players’ production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” in October.
The events are coordinated by the Vermont Holocaust Memorial, sparked by the local theater group’s decision to present the iconic play.
The exhibition, “Stars Without a Heaven,” opens on Sept. 23 at Lanpher Memorial Library. Its works are shared by Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Center and will run through Nov. 2. Designed to promote dialogue about the Holocaust, the show features visual testimonies, artifacts and explanatory texts that bring these historical narratives to light.
“It offers the community a moving glimpse into the lives of children during the Holocaust,” commented library Director Amy Olsen.
Beth Barnes, president of the Vermont Holocaust Memorial, said the exhibit demonstrates the unique capacity of children to hold onto the forces of life despite living in unspeakable circumstances. “Despite their grim situations, children still engaged in imaginative play, sketching, and writing to express their hopes, dreams, and fears,” Barnes said.
Olsen noted that two special lectures will be held at the library in coordination with the exhibition:
Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m.: With sponsorship from Vermont Humanities, speaker Mary Fillmore will virtually present: “Anne Frank’s Neighbors: What did they do?” This Zoom talk will examine the choices people who lived alongside the Jewish population made as their persecution intensified. Registration for the Zoom link can be made by visiting the Lanpher Library’s website: lanpherlibrary.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m.: Barnes will speak at the library about “Lessons from Anne Frank’s Story: Discovery, Choice, and the Holocaust.” She will look beyond the mystery of the Frank family’s betrayal and discovery of their annex hideout in Amsterdam to help gain a deeper understanding of how the Holocaust unfolded and the difficult historical questions it continues to raise. More information is on the library website.
From Oct. 16 to 25, the Lamoille County Players present the play “The Diary of Anne Frank” at the Hyde Park Opera House. Friday-Saturday performances are at 7 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15 for general admission, $20 for students, military, or seniors 65+.
Following the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Oct. 18, there will be a moderated discussion led by Vermont Holocaust Memorial representatives. Audience members will have the chance to discuss the play with its cast, director, and Holocaust Memorial speakers.