Preserving the testimony of Holocaust survivors and great humanitarians
Holocaust survivors and great humanitarians have recounted their stories, providing invaluable insights that shape and inform perspectives. But what happens when they pass on? How can we ensure that their stories reach the next generation? The Maltz Museum has worked with StoryFile and Dimensions in Testimony, an initiative of the USC Shoah Foundation, to preserve these stories using advanced filmmaking techniques, specialized display technologies, and AI for natural language processing.
The result is an intimate and unique experience, where visitors can ask questions about the life experiences of Holocaust survivors and civil rights heroes, and hear their responses in a real-time, lifelike conversation. Questions are answered naturally, as if the person is in the room, and through artificial intelligence, the technology becomes as more questions are asked
Stanley Bernath spent over 40 years recounting his harrowing story of Holocaust survival with students and adults across Northeast Ohio. When speaking at the Maltz Museum, he captured the hearts and minds of thousands of people. Although nothing in this world can replace having him with us in person, we knew his story could continue being told in our theatre as an interactive biography.
The Museum partnered with StoryFile to capture the courageous life story of Cleveland icon and civil rights activist Reverend Dr. Otis Moss Jr. A prominent pastor, theologian and civil rights leader who was a close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Moss was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He has been a strong voice for equality, voting rights and community empowerment for decades.
Learn more about Dimensions in Testimony, an initiative of the USC Shoah Foundation, by watching this CBS 60 Minutes episode
The Interactive Biography of Stanley Bernath was made possible in part by the generous support of the following sponsors:
LEGACY SPONSORS
REMEMBRANCE SPONSORS
TRADITION SPONSORS
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
Video used in our theater was produced by ideastream.
Dimensions in Testimony is an initiative of the USC Shoah Foundation to record and display testimony in a way that preserves the dialogue between Holocaust survivors and learners. Collaborating within the project are the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, with technology by the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, and concept by Conscience Display. Funding for Dimensions in Testimony was provided in part by the Pears Foundation; Louis F. Smith, Melinda Goldrich and Andrea Cayton/Goldrich Family Foundation in honor of Jona Goldrich; and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Other partners include the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
Sponsors current as of May 29, 2025