New Mexico State University is bringing a powerful reminder of history to the heart of Las Cruces. The university’s Zuhl Library has been selected as one of only 50 libraries nationwide to host the traveling “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibition, a partnership between the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association.
Exhibit runs through September 25
Visitors can explore the exhibit, titled “Americans and the Holocaust,” now on display at the Zuhl Library. The exhibition runs daily until Friday, September 25, 2026, and admission is free for all ages. It examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped American responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.
Weekly programming highlights survivor experiences
Each Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the university will host a special program called “Refuge in the Land of Enchantment: Holocaust Survivors Who Made New Mexico Home.” Archivist Camelia Caton‑Garcia of the New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum will share personal stories of survivors who migrated to the United States during the Holocaust and later settled in New Mexico.
These talks give local families a chance to hear first‑hand accounts of courage, loss and the rebuilding of lives in a new land. The programming underscores the importance of remembering the past while honoring the contributions of survivors to New Mexico’s cultural fabric.
Film screening adds visual perspective
On Thursday, September 24, the university will screen the documentary “Nazi Town, USA” directed by Peter Yost. The film investigates a small New Mexico community that, during World War II, became a haven for displaced persons fleeing Nazi persecution. The screening follows the same weekly schedule and is open to the public.
Both the exhibit and the accompanying events are designed to educate students, parents, and community members about the enduring impact of the Holocaust and the role New Mexicans played in offering refuge.
Why the exhibit matters to New Mexico families
In a state known for its strong family values and deep respect for religious liberty, the exhibit provides a timely reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the power of compassion. By highlighting stories of survivors who chose New Mexico as their new home, the program reinforces the state’s tradition of welcoming those in need while preserving the memory of those who suffered.
Local educators are encouraged to bring students to the exhibit, and faith‑based groups have expressed interest in using the material for discussion on moral responsibility and the importance of standing against oppression.
Practical details
Admission to the exhibit and all programming is free. The weekly talks and film screening take place every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Zuhl Library, located on the NMSU campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. For more information, visit the NMSU website or contact the university’s library services.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
