Podcast Summary: "Anne Frank's 'Secret Annex' Comes To NYC"
ALL OF IT with Alison Stewart
Release Date: January 29, 2025

ALL OF IT with Alison Stewart, a WNYC show dedicated to exploring culture and its consumers, featured a compelling episode titled "Anne Frank's 'Secret Annex' Comes To NYC." Hosted by Tiffany Hansen, this episode delves into the groundbreaking Anne Frank exhibition now open at the Center for Jewish History near Union Square in New York City. The episode provides an in-depth look at the exhibition's creation, significance, and the emotional responses it has elicited from visitors.

1. Introduction to the Anne Frank Exhibition

The episode begins with Tiffany Hansen introducing the Anne Frank exhibition, coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day. The exhibition showcases a replica of Anne Frank's hiding place, the famous "Secret Annex," originally located in Amsterdam. Ronald Leopold, the Executive Director of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, joins the conversation to discuss the exhibit's origins and its relocation to New York.

2. Origins and Purpose of the Exhibition

Ronald Leopold explains the inspiration behind the New York exhibition:

“[02:27] We have been thinking for a longer period of time what we could offer to those audiences who are not able to travel to Amsterdam... While we know that the power of Ann's story is also very much extremely experiencing what she went through, that's what we see in Amsterdam.”

The primary objective is to make Anne Frank's story accessible to a broader audience, especially those unable to visit Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House. The pandemic underscored the necessity of alternative ways to engage the public with Anne's poignant narrative.

3. Significance of Timing

When asked why the exhibition was launched at this particular moment, Leopold emphasizes the rise in anti-Semitism and group hatred globally:

“[03:38] I think this exhibition arrives at a critical moment... We really feel our responsibility has never been greater. And this exhibition is in part a response to that responsibility.”

The exhibit serves as a timely reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust, aiming to foster empathy and prevent history from repeating itself.

4. Recreating the Sense of Place

Tiffany Hansen probes into the challenges of replicating the authentic experience of the original Anne Frank House:

“[04:18] We wanted to bring visitors into history, into place and time... a replica furnished and bringing more than 100 artifacts to New York that each tell a story.”

Leopold discusses the thoughtful curation involved in recreating the Secret Annex, ensuring that visitors not only view the space but also connect emotionally with Anne's life and legacy through meticulously selected artifacts.

5. Artifacts and Their Significance

The exhibition features over 100 artifacts that narrate the story of Anne Frank and her family. Leopold highlights several key items:

• Anne’s Sister’s Latin Notes: Symbolizing hope and the desire to continue education despite hiding.
• Peter’s Bike: Representing the hope of returning to normalcy and everyday activities.
• Original Party Dress: Belonging to Peter’s mother, illustrating the juxtaposition of ordinary life against the backdrop of persecution.

“[07:27] These items are telling a story... what it was like to be in hiding, to hope for survival, not knowing how long it would last.”

Additionally, the exhibit includes poignant documents, such as Otto Frank’s registration as a displaced person, highlighting the personal losses endured by Anne’s family.

6. Logistics of Transporting Artifacts

Transporting priceless artifacts from Amsterdam to New York was a monumental task. Leopold recounts the challenges faced during the process:

“[10:17] It was a massive undertaking... we saw that the vessel... was docking first in Halifax and then to New York while we thought it would dock first in New York and then in Halifax. So all of a sudden we were faced with a delay of a couple...”

Despite these hurdles, a dedicated team ensured the safe arrival and preparation of the artifacts, culminating in a successful opening.

7. Visitor Experience and Emotional Impact

Leopold shares insights into the visitors' emotional responses:

“[23:08] The first reaction is that we're almost sold out until April 30th... responses from the visitors is mostly very emotional, very emotional. So people in tears.”

The exhibition aims to evoke deep emotional connections, fostering empathy and a profound understanding of Anne Frank’s experiences.

8. Educational Approaches and Engaging New Generations

Addressing the challenge of educating younger generations, Leopold discusses innovative approaches:

“[15:03] Classic exhibitions... are not working well anymore... we are mediating this memory to audiences who live in a different... media landscape.”

The exhibition employs multimedia elements—photos, videos, animations, and immersive projections—to resonate with today’s tech-savvy youth, ensuring the Holocaust's lessons remain relevant and impactful.

“[19:19] If quality, if integrity, if historic reliability is in place... there are lots of opportunities to do something with new technology.”

9. Future Plans for the Exhibition

Given the overwhelming response, Leopold hints at the exhibition's future:

“[24:04] We have produced this exhibition in a sustainable way, which means we could travel with it. Let's see what happens here in New York and we'll decide about that later.”

There is potential for the exhibit to extend its stay in New York or possibly tour other cities, depending on demand and logistical feasibility.

10. Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to Ronald Leopold and a recap of the exhibition's significance. Listening to personal stories like Anne Frank’s not only honors past victims but also serves as a crucial tool for education and fostering a more empathetic future.

Notable Quotes:

• Ronald Leopold [03:36]: “We really feel our responsibility has never been greater. And this exhibition is in part a response to that responsibility.”

• Ronald Leopold [07:27]: “These items are telling a story... what it was like to be in hiding, to hope for survival, not knowing how long it would last.”

• Ronald Leopold [15:03]: “Classic exhibitions... are not working well anymore... we are mediating this memory to audiences who live in a different... media landscape.”

• Ronald Leopold [19:19]: “If quality, if integrity, if historic reliability is in place... there are lots of opportunities to do something with new technology.”

Takeaways:

The Anne Frank exhibition in New York represents a significant cultural and educational endeavor, bridging geographical divides and technological advancements to keep Anne Frank's legacy alive. By presenting a comprehensive and emotionally resonant experience, the exhibition not only honors Anne and her contemporaries but also engages contemporary audiences in meaningful reflection and dialogue about history, humanity, and the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance.