The Virginia Holocaust Museum recently announced the opening of “Dimensions in Testimony,” a permanent exhibition featuring interactive Holocaust survivor biographies developed by the USC Shoah Foundation.

Located on the museum’s second floor in the newly constructed Alan and Halina Zimm Theater of Remembrance, this exhibit brings a unique approach to Holocaust education. 

“Dimensions in Testimony,” allows visitors to engage with pre-recorded video interviews of Holocaust survivors, simulating a Q&A-style conversation through AI technology. This innovative experience enables visitors to learn about survivors’ stories firsthand, with the museum featuring five rotating biographies that change monthly. 

Starting Nov. 1, the exhibit will highlight Richmond resident and Holocaust survivor Halina Zimm, whose story was recorded over 15 hours, during which she answered nearly 1,000 questions about her life during the Holocaust.

“We are honored to be one of the few U.S. museums to feature a “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibit,” said Samuel Asher, executive director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum. “This program allows visitors to hear firsthand accounts from Holocaust witnesses, and to converse with them about their experiences.”

The museum first approached the USC Shoah Foundation in 2020 about hosting the exhibit in a dedicated theater.

Creating these interactive biographies is a labor of love,” said Catherine E. Clark, senior director of programs at the USC Shoah Foundation. “We hope ‘Dimensions in Testimony’ will enrich the community’s understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting impact.”

Showings of the “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibit run hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Seating in the 46-seat theater is limited, and reservations are required. For more information, visit vaholocaust.org.