Anne Frank Exhibit fonds

The "Anne Frank in the World: 1929 - 1945" exhibit was held in Ottawa from May 1 - 31, 1992 at the Canadian War Musuem. It was attended by more than 2000 students and numerous community members, government officals, and diplomats during the 31 days it was open. "Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945" was a internationall renowned travelling exhibit created by the Anne Frank Centre. It was displayed in museums and heritage institutions around the world including the Canadian War Musuem in Ottawa. In December of 1988, the exhibit's existance was brought to the attention of Vera Gara, Chairman of the Holocaust Remebrance Comittee and discussions began about bringing the exhibit to Ottawa. The cost to bring the exhibit would be $20,000 ($12,000 USD). The committee was eager to host the exhibit and sponsors and a space were explored. By May 1990, the exhibit had been booked for Spring 1992, and the Canadian War Musuem booked as the exhibit space. This same year Sara Vered was approached with the position of chairman of the exhibit committee which she accepted with the understanding that she would have full commitment from the Holocaust Remembrance Committee. It was decided that the exhibit would run from May 1 to May 31, 1992, in the Canadian War Musuem, on the third floor, with the CWM providing an incorporating exhibit called "The Sweetest Spring" showcasing the involvment of the Canadian Armed Forces in the libreration of the Netherlands. All of this would coincide with the liberation of Holland, and the Festival of Spring (The Tulip Festival). The offical opening of the exhibit happened on April 30, 1992. For the opening ceremony, a number of Holocaust survivors and veterans were asked to speak. Chateau Laurier donated $10,000 in catering and Dave Smith donated the liquor. Among the special guests for the opening event were Gen. Ramsay Withers; Victor Suthem, director of the Canadian War Museum; Ambassador Itzhak Shelef; the First Secretary for Political Affairs of the Royal Dutch Embassy; Mayor Jacquelin Holzman; and the Burgomaster of The Hague, Dr. A.J. Haver- mans. The Anna Frank High School Choir and the Ottawa Dutch Choral Society both performed. The display included more than 800 photographs and documents as well as a model of the secret annex where Anne and her family hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.