Lessons of the Holocaust: A Shared Journey of Remembrance

A view of the 14th-street side of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
14th-street side. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Photo. Used with permission.

Date: October 7, 2026
Registration: Open (View Cost and Register)

OLLI members are invited to participate in a guided bus trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.—an opportunity for meaningful reflection, learning, and remembrance.

The experience will begin on the bus, where instructor Deb Smith will provide insightful background and historical context, and continue upon arrival as a guide through the museum. Through powerful exhibits and a structured visit, participants will deepen their understanding of the Holocaust, the events that led to it, and its enduring lessons about human rights, responsibility, and resilience.

Museum Overview

A photo from inside the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
n02369. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Photo. Used with permission.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, serves as the nation’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Established by an Act of Congress in 1980 and dedicated in 1993, the museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews and millions of other victims who suffered under Nazi persecution during World War II.

As a living memorial, the museum educates visitors about the dangers of antisemitism, hatred, and genocide while promoting the importance of human dignity and human rights. Through its exhibits, artifacts, survivor testimonies, and educational programs, the museum helps visitors understand the history of the Holocaust and its continuing relevance today.

Since opening, the museum has welcomed more than 50 million visitors, including world leaders, students, educators, and people from around the globe. Its educational resources, including the Holocaust Encyclopedia, extend its reach far beyond Washington, DC, helping millions of people each year learn about the consequences of prejudice, indifference, and intolerance.

As we visit the museum, we have the opportunity to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, reflect on the lessons of history, and consider our shared responsibility to stand against hatred and injustice in all its forms.

A photo from inside the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum showing an exhibit called Last Chapter
n02482. Last Chapter. Permanent Exhibition. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Used with permission.

Itinerary

Time Activity
7:30 a.m.

Bus departs Penn State York.

  • Includes a 20-minute rest stop.
  • Deb Smith will provide insightful background and historical context about the museum.
10:15 a.m.

Arrive at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

  • Deb Smith will guide participants through the museum and exhibits.
12:00–12:45 p.m.

Lunch

A boxed lunch is included.

2:30 p.m.

Depart from United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

  • Includes a 20-minute rest stop.
5:30 p.m. Arrive at Penn State York

Cost per person

Member pricing: $105

Nonmember pricing: $130

Cost includes: bus transportation and a boxed lunch

Not included: The bus company suggests a gratuity of $3–$4 per participant for the driver. An OLLI staff member will have an envelope available for those who wish to contribute.

Register