Holocaust Survivor Welcomed by Community

Marion Blumenthal Lazan, Holocaust survivor and co-author of Four Perfect Pebbles, came to Muncie to share her story of respect, tolerance, perseverance and hope. Thanks to The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc. and the Altrusa Foundation, Marion was able to travel to Muncie and stay for two weeks. During that time, she spoke to over 2,000 area students. In the summer of 2007, the Indiana Department of Education passed a resolution that requires all school students to learn about the Holocaust before graduating high school. Mrs. Lazan also participated in two free public programs that allowed her to speak to an additional six hundred members of the community. "Marion's story touched the hearts and minds of everyone who met her, regardless of their age," noted Betty Brewer, Minnetrista President and CEO. "We are honored to have been able to introduce her to Central Indiana through the support of The Community Foundation and the Altrusa Foundation."


From the ages of 6 to 10 Marion Blumenthal Lazan was interred in two of the same concentration camps as Anne Frank. Her family endured six and a half years of fear and persecution in some of Europe's most notorious refugee, transit and concentration camps. Her book Four Perfect Pebbles recounts the dark days of the Holocaust and the power of the human spirit to overcome the worst of times. Signed copies of the book are available at The Center Shop at Minnetrista.


Minnetrista continues to host Anne Frank: A History for Today through January 20. This historical and intimate exhibit depicts Anne Frank's life story using family photos and passages from her diary. Her biographical story is enhanced by testimony and powerful imagery from Holocaust survivors.


Minnetrista hours are: Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Admission is FREE to members. General Admission is $4 child/student; $6 senior; $7 adult.

For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net. For more information about Marion Blumenthal Lazan, visit www.fourperfectpebbles.com.

Anne Frank: A History for Today was developed by the Anne Frank House and is sponsored in North America by the Anne Frank Center USA.

Located along historic White River, Minnetrista includes 40 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and a portion of the Cardinal Greenway. Minnetrista serves East Central Indiana with dynamic community activities and exhibits that honor and reflect its natural and cultural heritage. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.


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