This Holocaust Memorial Day, Beamish is joining the national Light the Darkness movement.
We remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution and all those who have suffered in genocides across the world.
On the actual date of the commemoration, the 27th January, when the museum is closed to the public, Beamish will observe the national movement Light the Darkness by sharing a video on our social media channels. We stand together against hatred and prejudice in all its forms.
At Beamish, we are committed to taking positive action, fostering understanding, and helping to create a better future for everyone.
Beamish will commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on the Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th January.
Across the weekend, at our 1940s Farm, see copies of sketches from the Holocaust which were given to a member of the British forces, and hear excerpts from oral history of armed forces members who entered Belsen. Explore a collection of items once belonging to RAF grounds person Sergeant Thomas Connor, who served with 309 Supply and Transport Corps, Second Tactical Air Force, Royal Air Force and was present at Belsen Concentration Camp in April 1945, where he took a series of photographs capturing the tragedy of the moment. We will also be hosting a collaborative display from Durham County Council on how Roma and Sinti Gypsies were affected by the Holocaust.
Take part in a tealight making activity at the farm, where you can create a tealight to take home and place in your window as part of the National Movement of Lighting the Darkness. At 8pm on 27th January, individuals are asked to Light the Darkness in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides, in tribute to the survivors and to take a stand against prejudice, discrimination and hatred today.
On Sunday, in our 1950s cinema, hear a fascinating talk by Brenda Dinsdale, Life President of Newcastle Reform Synagogue and a Director of Newcastle Council of Faiths. Bridging the Generations: the importance of never forgetting. How the Kindertransport has helped to keep the memories of the Holocaust survivors alive, will take place at 11am and last approximately 30 minutes.