living memories

Holocaust memorials studies

publication/individual research project, summer 2017

A verbal engagement with design

Last April, I applied for the Zinn Memorial Scholarship for Holocaust Studies through UCLA. Luckily I was entrusted with the opportunity to study 8 Holocaust memorials in California. My project focused on the functionalities of each memorial site architecturally in terms of design intentions as well as its role to its current community and audience.

I compiled a catalogue of 8 memorials and two essays per memorial on a blogsite: https://holocaustmemorialsofca.wordpress.com

blog introduction:

WWII and Holocaust related topics have always been a subject at our dinner table in my house. Growing up, I knew this was an important conversation and have been exposed to some, though far from thorough, educational resources (novels, movies, and museums). The summer of 2016, I was fortunate enough to participate in UCLA’s Germanic Studies Travel Study Program, where we studied a fair amount of memorials in Vienna, Munich, Dresden, and Berlin.

There, I realized how little I knew about memorials–their forms, their purposes, their controversies, and their effects–and learned to appreciate them a little more under the guidance of our professors. I think the key lies in asking the right questions and spending some fair time interacting with the memorial project. At least that was enough to help me, an average college student with little background or access to professional memorial studies, grow in respect and appreciation for the efforts put into remembrance.

This summer, I wanted to continue–and even expand–this inspiration from abroad and take it to California by studying around 8 local memorials. And as I embark on this journey of discovering living memories within the state, I would like to invite you to taste and see along with me! The purpose of this project is mainly pedagogical: that any reader may gain a basic knowledge of where to find Holocaust memorials in California, find information about the form and stories for each, and partake in my reception and processes with each memorial. I also want the language to be tangible, that both my classmates and immigrant parents would be able to learn through this blog. I hope this site does succeed in inspiring appreciation and, ultimately, a call to remembrance.