Anne Frank words and pictures on display at the Florida Holocaust Museum

By: David Leonard

St Petersburg, Florida- Although millions were silenced by the holocaust, the words of 13-year-old Anne Frank continue to educate generations about the tragic events of more than 60 years ago. In fact, her diary is available in 66 languages and more than 40 million copies have been sold worldwide.

At the Florida Holocaust Museum an exhibit Anne Frank: A History for Today and A Private Photo Album. The exhibits depict Anne Frank's life including text from Anne's journal, personal photographs of the Frank family, and features a writing lab for visitors to journal their own thoughts.

"It has been said that Anne Frank has become the face of the Holocaust it is the very first thing kids read when they learn about the Holocaust that's why we have it here. People automatically make that connection; they are automatically interested," said Erin Blankenship Curator of exhibitions and collections at the Florida Holocaust museum.

Adding "This exhibit isn't just about Anne's story in hiding its about how the Holocaust began and ended, and even ends with an empowering message about what kids can do to make a change in there world and make the world a better place."

Sisters Marie Silverman and Jeanette Bornstein survived the Holocaust. In 1940 the Nazis were moving through Europe and Belgium, where the sisters lived, rounding up Jewish people and enemies of the Nazis. Their family sought refuge in France, begging anyone to hide them.

"They (parents) just took a chance that someone would have pity on us and hide us and that's how we ended up in the cellar," said Marie Silverman, who volunteers at the museum and shares her and her sister's story.

"Because of the Marie and Jeannette and other living survivors, coupled with a story like Anne Frank, she didn't survive only her father Otto did….. it helps carry on the message to the next generation" says Erin Blankenship

Check out their vidoe story to the right

If you would like to see the Anne Frank: A History for Today and A Private Photo Album the exhibit runs through December 23 at

The Florida Holocaust Museum
5^th Street SouthSt. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Phone: 727.820.0100