Prompt: First, choose one of the following options to explore: listen to an oral history of an Oregon Holocaust survivor; read one of their memoirs or experience summaries on the OJMCHE website; or listen to a Holocaust speaker as part of a school or public program. Next, select a specific word, phrase, or part of the story about the Oregon Holocaust survivor’s experience that had an impact on you. Create a piece of writing or visual artwork that brings that selection to life. How can your creativity keep the memory of the Holocaust alive? Let your art or writing be a bridge between generations– a way to carry memory forward so that “never again” truly means never again.

There is additional context and resources to help guide students thinking here.

Submission Guidelines: Both the Art and Writing Guidelines can be found here. 

Deadline: April 18, 2026

Prizes: Each Grand Prize Winner will receive the opportunity to travel to either Los Angeles or Washington D.C. to visit the city’s Holocaust Museum with their caretaker. The flights, hotels, and ground transportation will all be provided for. 

How to Enter: The simple submission form where students can upload their work can be found on this page. 

Exciting book releasing from Smithsonian Books this spring that’s perfect for educators! The Promise of a Nation: Commemorating 250 Years of Patriotism, Resilience, and Aspirations from the National Collection celebrates the country’s 250th anniversary with Smithsonian curators and experts exploring American history decade by decade, sharing both familiar and lesser-told stories that have shaped the country. Some 700 Smithsonian objects, many of them rarely seen, immerse readers into the nation’s material past and bring the history alive. This visually engaging volume both commemorates and contemplates the past, revealing an ever-evolving country and its winding path toward progress for all. It’s a remarkable tribute and a great way for students to engage with our nation’s history and this momentous anniversary. The book releases on April 14. 

You can preview the book here!