University of Cincinnati Students Inspire Empathy Through Museum Activities

At the Cincinnati Museum Center, students from the University of Cincinnati are actively engaging children through innovative museum activities. Sydney Kraus and Lindsay Person, both co-op students at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center (HHC), are leading an initiative designed to promote empathy and courage among young visitors. Their program, dubbed “Superhero Activation,” takes place near the children’s play area and encourages youngsters to express positive values through creative activities.

The centerpiece of their engagement involves decorating crowns with themes of “love, hope, creativity, and humor.” Kraus emphasizes that while the activity is playful, the underlying message is profound: it aims to cultivate “upstanders” who stand up for others. “We talk about what those words mean and how they can help others,” Kraus stated in an interview with the University of Cincinnati.

Parents are also encouraged to participate in the mission, as take-home pamphlets provide insights into the museum’s core objectives, fostering discussions about advocacy and support within families. This initiative reflects the broader goals of the HHC, which aims to connect historical lessons with contemporary civic values.

Connecting Education and Engagement

The project is overseen by Professor Sarah Crane, who serves as a vital link between the University of Cincinnati and the HHC. Her role focuses on developing educational programs that integrate academic research with hands-on learning experiences. “It’s a unique position because I get to see the academic side and the public education side,” Crane noted, highlighting the importance of understanding how history shapes civic engagement.

For Person, the co-op experience has provided valuable insights that differ from traditional exhibition-based internships. “I realized how important it is to understand the educational side. It’s a feedback loop… what happens in education shapes how exhibitions connect with people,” she explained. This understanding is particularly relevant as both students prepare to assist with an upcoming traveling exhibit titled “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.”

Impacting Future Generations

Kraus and Person view their work as more than just a stepping stone in their careers; they see it as an opportunity to influence young minds on issues of compassion and civic action. The “Superhero Activation” program is not merely about fun—it is about inspiring children to harness their strengths for the greater good.

As graduation approaches, both students recognize the significance of their roles at the HHC, which stands as a testament to the power of education in fostering empathy and courage. Their efforts may have a lasting impact, resonating well beyond the walls of the museum and into the broader community.