The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) is presenting “Histories in Hand,” a new exhibit in its Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery. The exhibit examines the powerful connection between personal objects and the stories they carry, inviting visitors to reflect on memory and survival.
“Histories in Hand” features belongings passed down from Holocaust survivors to their children and grandchildren. Ordinary items such as a spoon or a candlestick hold extraordinary significance. They serve as tangible links to the past, preserving stories of endurance and hope.
The exhibit also highlights a universal truth: objects often hold deep emotional value, especially for those who have survived tragedy. JFCS sees this firsthand in the foster care system, where children form similar attachments to meaningful possessions. A jacket or stuffed animal can provide comfort and familiarity, acting as an anchor to identity and stability.
Objects carry stories that bridge generations. JFCS invites the community to reflect on these narratives, explore the meaningful objects in their own lives and consider how history can inspire greater compassion and understanding.
The Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery, 8540 Baycenter Road, Jacksonville, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Admission is free.
For more information, go to JacksonvilleHolocaustMemorial.com.
