Nazi Storm troopers and young German men holding pictures and pamphlets at a public book burning. Ca. 1933-1940. Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Stock Photo
Beginning in May 1933, university students in Nazi clubs across Germany orchestrated a destructive campaign to burn thousands of books and other materials considered “un-German.” The works of Jewish writers like Sigmund Freud and political activists like Helen Keller were among countless others scorched in festive ceremonies celebrating Nazi ideology. Even children's books were destroyed.
The Nazi regime’s early efforts to control the thoughts and lives of its citizens foreshadowed more brutal threats on the horizon. As campaigns to ban books and control information resurface today, we invite you to join us for this timely program.
Guests
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director, American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom
Lindsay MacNeill, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Host
Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Watch live at facebook.com/holocaustmuseum. You do not need a Facebook account to view our program. After the live broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum’s Facebook and YouTube pages.