Abstract

In this Master’s thesis I represent my grandmother’s story of survival during the Holocaust as a narrative of loss, love, and dancing. This qualitative and creative research project is informed by in-depth interviews with my grandmother, life writing, sustained reflection on my own life experiences, and a recent research trip to Poland where I visited key sites linked to my grandmother’s story. During the research process, I also considered the ways my Bubby’s story has shaped my identity as a third-generation survivor, as I have been deeply influenced by her perspective on life. Through my use of oral history, life writing and an art installation, I have gained greater understanding of the significance of multi-sensory learning, storytelling and creative art initiatives and recognize these methods as meaningful tools for Holocaust education.
For me, the thesis has initiated ongoing research into the effects of memory, multi-sensory learning and creative art practices. For a larger audience, I suggest that this use of story can enhance multi-disciplinary learning, illustrate the complexities of the Holocaust through artful renderings, and inspire educators to adopt creative and powerful pedagogic tools in teaching the history of genocide.