Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center Launches ‘Triumph in Tragedy,’ Exhibit Series Honoring Holocaust Survivors
Multi-Venue Holocaust Exhibits to Open Across Arizona in 2025–2026
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The Arizona Jewish Historical Society, in partnership with the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, is proud to announce the launch of “Triumph in Tragedy”, a statewide exhibition series opening in late 2025 and continuing through 2026. Inspired by the lives of local survivors such as Oskar Knoblauch, Sam Hilton, Rosie and Irving Guttman, Gerda and Kurt Klein, Esther Basch, Andrew Schot, and others, “Triumph in Tragedy,” the series is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Holocaust memory and education.
Through paired stories of Holocaust survivors and the individuals who shaped their journeys, the exhibits reveal how human connection and courage endured even amid persecution and loss. The powerful personal stories and artifacts will foster dialogue and historical awareness through resonant storytelling.
“This series is about more than remembering the past—it is about honoring the courage of survivors and ensuring that their stories continue to shape the future,” said Talli Dippold, Executive Director, Arizona Jewish Historical Society & Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center. “By bringing these exhibits to communities across Arizona, we are creating opportunities for learning, empathy, and action, so that every generation understands both the fragility and the strength of humanity.”
Over the course of the following year, “Triumph in Tragedy” will unfold across Arizona through a series of traveling exhibits hosted at museums, colleges, and cultural centers from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Tempe to Tucson. Each location will feature unique displays of portraits, artifacts, and testimonies that honor Holocaust survivors, liberators, resistance fighters, and other notable individuals. By presenting these deeply personal narratives in diverse communities, the Arizona Jewish Historical Society ensures that the lessons of history resonate across generations and geographies.
Current schedule through 2025 includes:
(December 17, 2025 - April 2, 2026) - Tempe History Museum
Featured Stories: Gerda Weissmann Klein and Kurt Klein
To view the exhibit schedule and companion events through 2026, please visit https://azjhs.org/what-we-do/exhibitions/. For more information about the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, please visit www.azjhs.org. For more information about the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, please visit www.hfhecaz.org.
Thank you to the Phoenix Holocaust Association, Martin-Springer Institute, Tempe History Museum, Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, Arizona Capitol Museum, Arizona State University's Jewish Studies program, the Claims Conference, and the German Federal Ministry of Finance for sponsoring the "Triumph in Tragedy" exhibits.
The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) represents world Jewry in negotiating for compensation and restitution for victims of Nazi persecution and their heirs. Among its activities, the Claims Conference administers compensation funds, funds social welfare services, and allocates funds to preserve the memory and lessons of the Shoah. For more information, please visit www.claimscon.org.
About the Arizona Jewish Historical Society
The Arizona Jewish Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of Arizona’s Jewish communities, educates the public about the Jewish historical experience, including the Holocaust, and promotes awareness of our state’s diverse history through arts, culture, and educational programming. Learn more at www.azjhs.org.
About the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center
Opening in Summer 2027, the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center will be Arizona’s premier institution dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, education, and community engagement. Through immersive exhibits, survivor testimonies, public programming, and statewide outreach, the Center will empower new generations to stand against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. Learn more at www.hfhecaz.org.
