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International Anne Frank exhibition to open at Heritage Discovery Center as part of “Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project”

International Anne Frank exhibition to open at Heritage Discovery Center as part of “Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project”

Posted: February 23, 2026 12:08 pm

“Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project” is proud to announce the arrival of the internationally acclaimed exhibition, “Let Me Be Myself — The Life Story of Anne Frank.” The exhibition will be hosted at the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center on Broad Street from March through June 2026.

Developed by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, this exhibition tells the story of Anne Frank against the backdrop of the Holocaust and World War II. Using large-scale imagery and poignant narrative, the display traces Anne’s life from her birth in 1929 to her death at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. To provide a comprehensive historical context, the panels also explore the rise of the Nazi Party and the systematic persecution of the Jewish people. The exhibition is appropriate for ages 12 and older.

“Anne Frank’s story is timeless,” said project leader Rebecca Catelinet. “Her experiences show that even in the face of unspeakable horror, it is possible to believe in humanity and goodness. This project is designed to focus on compassion and the well-being of others, providing a space for reflection rather than making a political statement.”

Heritage Johnstown, which operates the Heritage Discovery Center, will expand the international exhibition by including World War II artifacts donated by local residents. This builds upon Heritage Johnstown’s long-standing commitment to exploring Jewish history and the Holocaust, connecting Anne Frank’s global story to the personal histories of families in the Laurel Highlands.

“Heritage Johnstown is grateful to be partnering with PRAA and Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project to present this important, meaningful story,” said Marisa Lehman, Heritage Johnstown COO. “While the exhibit is meant for adults as well as young people, we are particularly pleased that it’s premiering at the Heritage Discovery Center just in time for school tour season.”

Members of the Johnstown community will be formally trained as docents. These guides will lead visitors through the collection and help spark conversations about how the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant today.

The exhibition marks the latest chapter for “Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project.” Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has seen overwhelming success. It has included a community-wide production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” a Johnstown Symphony Orchestra performance of Holocaust-era music, and featured multiple events and activities by community organizations. This upcoming exhibition continues to further the mission of commemorating human resilience.

This project is funded by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies through the Blanche Beerman Holocaust Museum Fund. Partnering organizations include the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance (PRAA), the Arts Coalition of the Alleghenies, and Vision Together 2025.

The project is guided by a management team of regional arts and community leaders, including:

  • Michael Bodolosky (Retired Executive Director, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center)
  • Rebecca Catelinet (Executive Director, Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance)
  • Patty Carnevali (Ex-Officio Member, Heritage Johnstown Board of Directors)
  • Elizabeth Good (Retired Music Educator)
  • Paul Seymour (Retired Artistic Director, Cresson Lake Playhouse)
  • David Hurst (Executive Director, 1901 Church, Inc.)
  • Matthew Lamb (Executive Director, Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center)
  • Erin Codey (Executive Director, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra)
  • Robert Forcey (Executive Director, Vision Together 2025)

For more information regarding gallery hours, group tours, or student docent opportunities, please visit www.hopespringseternalproject.com or contact the Heritage Discovery Center at (814) 539-1889.

“Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project” is a collaborative effort by regional arts organizations to bring unique educational opportunities to the Johnstown area, focusing on the tragedy of the Holocaust and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center is owned and operated by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association dba Heritage Johnstown, which is a non-profit, membership-based organization that preserves and presents Johnstown’s nationally significant stories to the nation. It also owns and operates the Johnstown Flood Museum, as well as the Sidney & Rae Goldblatt Johnstown Children’s Museum. Heritage Johnstown also produces various special events throughout the year, including the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival, Last Friday at the Ethnic Social Club and more. For more information on the organization, its museums and special events, visit www.heritagejohnstown.org.