Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
While Visiting Boise, Idaho Experience the Anne Frank Memorial
The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial commemorates the life of Anne Frank. Visit the Northwest United States to experience this emotional tribute.
In 1995, an Anne Frank exhibit went on display in Boise, Idaho. The exhibit about the young Jewish girl, who authored one of the most important declarations of human rights in the 20th century, attracted over 45,000 visitors, 5% of Idaho. The enormous response prompted the development of a permanent open-air memorial honoring Anne Frank and human rights.
In a small amphitheatre, a life-size bronze statue of Anne Frank stands, depicting her pulling back an imaginary curtain and looking from her attic-hiding place. Artist Greg Stone created this most compelling statute. Here stands two reflecting ponds and three waterfalls in the .81-acre educational park. The carefully planned atmosphere, allows for the memorial to be a perfect place for reflection and meditation.
Additionally, the memorial features many quotes that are preserved on a 180-foot marble wall. Over 60 quotes, reflecting human rights, are etched in a wall of marble and bronze, purposefully selected for visitors to contemplate. Some leaders honored on the wall of quotes are: Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Chief Joseph, Confucius, Gandhi, Alice Walker, Elie Wiesel, Frederick Douglas, Billie Jean King and Dr. Seuss.
Another separate wall features the poem “Butterfly” by Pavel Friedman. Friedman wrote this poem while he was imprisoned in the Terezin Concentration Camp outside of Prague. He died at the camp in 1944.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is also displayed in entirety. And, as expected, Anne Frank’s most famous quote; “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are truly good at heart” is featured in larger than life print on its very own wall.
Anne Frank’s words are rightly the closing quote on the Senator Frank and Bethine Church Writing Table, “I want to go on living even after my death… will I ever be able to write anything great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer.”
July 1942, Anne Frank and her family went into hiding at her father’s Amsterdam office building. In 1944, the group was betrayed to the police and arrested. In 1945, Anne died at the concentration camp Bergen-Belsen. She was fifteen-years-old. Her father discovered Anne’s dairy after he returned to Amsterdam.
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial: 770 South Eighth Street, Boise, Idaho (adjacent to the Boise Public Library and Greenbelt Park). Hours: dawn until 11pm. It is a free exhibit.
Go to Anne Frank to learn more.
