Introduction

Dark Tourism and Social Mobilization: Transforming Travelers After Visiting a Holocaust Museum

“…Most recently, and during the time of this study, IHMEC hosted They Shall Be Counted: The Theresienstadt Ghetto Art of Erich Lichtblau-Leskly (November 21, 2019–June 27, 2021), Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (February 9, 2020–January 3, 2021) and Mandela: Struggle for Freedom (February 20–September 12, 2021). This approach reflects current trends among Holocaust museums that strive to connect history to current day, encourage social action, and reach out to new and younger audiences (Apsel and Sodaro 2019). IHMEC is also working to impact a younger audience through Spring break, Summer and holiday “kids visit free” promotions.…”

Book review: Human Rights Museums: Critical Tensions Between Memory and Justice Jennifer Carter

“…However, Carter refrains from addressing, or even mentioning, criticism of these museums. Sodaro (2018) and Apsel and Sodaro (2020) argue that, while memorial museums, which also address mass violence and trauma, can provide moving experiences for visitors and acknowledge atrocities, the politics that enable their establishment often preclude their ability to effect social change; hence, they remain largely ‘platforms that support the status quo’ (Sodaro, 2018: 14). Similarly, Lea David (2020) presents examples of human rights memorial culture that are ineffective and even counterproductive.…”