Eva Kor’s Holocaust Journey

On March 12, the Indiana Historical Society opened two new features that spotlight the internationally known Holocaust survivor and forgiveness advocate, Eva Kor. A new exhibit, Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana, tells her compelling and important story and shares the lessons of her life. The Dimensions in Testimony feature allows an unparalleled interactive experience in which visitors can take a virtual reality tour of Auschwitz with Eva and converse with her via a hologramlike projection. These features will explore how Eva’s life and legacy teaches us about the horrors of the Holocaust, the realities of antisemitism, and the power of an individual to make change.

Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana

Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana tells the remarkable story of Eva Mozes Kor, who survived Auschwitz as a child and the experiments of Dr. Josef Mengele. She grew up to be one of the most influential Holocaust educators and activists in the world. She ignited a global manhunt for Mengele, organized other survivors and educated millions about what happened during the Holocaust and about her vision of empowerment and forgiveness.

The exhibition explores how her life and legacy teach us about the horrors of the Holocaust, the realities of antisemitism, and the power of an individual to make change. The exhibit includes never-before-seen artifacts and images, including a small theater that features an abridged version of Eva: A-7063, an award-winning documentary from Ted Green

On July 4, 2019, Eva Kor died at the age of 85, but her legacy as a survivor, activist and fighter continues to serve as an inspiration to millions. On Jan. 25, 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb declared Jan. 27 to be “Eva Education Day” – a day of recognition throughout the state.

Learn more by downloading the “Eva Kor Get Connected” brochure.

Dimensions in Testimony

Eva Kor preparing for one of her many interviews with the production team to create an interactive biography. Courtesy of USC Shoah Foundation.

A new feature at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center allows visitors to take advantage of advanced filming techniques to have inviting one-on-one conversations with an interactive biography of Eva Kor.

On loan from CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center and USC Shoah Foundation, Dimensions in Testimony allows visitors to hear her personal testimony and ask questions that prompt real-time responses.

USC Foundation’s Dimensions in Testimony is an initiative to record and display testimony in a way that will continue the dialogue between survivors of genocide and learners far into the future. Each specially recorded interview enables viewers to ask questions of the survivor and hear their stories in real-time conversation about topics like life before the war, hiding, experiences in concentration camps, life after the war, forgiveness, family and more. For information on the general Dimensions in Testimony initiative, visit the USC Shoah Foundation website.

The feature is included with paid admission to the Indiana Historical Society.

Learn more about the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center at www.candlesholocaustmuseum.org.

The Eva Kor Collection

The Kor family in the 1960s. Gift of Alex Kor, IHS.

The Eva Kor Collection was donated to the Indiana Historical Society by Eva’s son, Dr. Alex Kor. The collection consists of materials related to Eva Mozes Kor, her family and her work as a Holocaust educator. It includes manuscripts, photographs, graphics, posters, audiovisual items and artifacts.

The majority of photographs are of Eva and her family. There are some from Eva’s young life in Israel, but the bulk are from her family life after she was married in 1960. In addition to her wedding album, these photographs show Eva and her husband, Mickey, and children, Alex and Rina, in their home, enjoying outings and on family vacations.

To see materials in this collection, make an appointment with our Reference department at reference@indianahistory.org.

Extend Your Experience to the Classroom

This educator’s guide offers links to trusted resources and organizations. The curated list is not exhaustive, but is designed to serve as a starting place for your further inquiry into teaching about the Holocaust, Eva Kor, the Jewish experience, empathy, forgiveness, all related to Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana and Dimensions in Testimony.

If you have questions regarding the educational experience, please reach out to education@indianahistory.org.

Download the Eva Kor Educator Resource Guide here.

Celebrating Eva

Catch a glimpse of the life of Eva Kor and her message of hope.