The inaugural annual Staenberg Lecture will now feature Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League. Due to a scheduling conflict Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Isabel Wilkerson will no longer be the first guest lecturer as part of a new partnership between Maryville University, philanthropists Michael and Carol Staenberg, the Staenberg Family Foundation, and the  St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.

The lecture series takes a look at contemporary social issues through the lens of the Holocaust, its lessons, and its historical significance. Greenblatt is also the author of the new book It Could Happen Here: Why America is Tipping from Hate to the Unthinkable—And How We Can Stop It.

“Our Museum and this partnership with Maryville University is an important step to broaden the outreach for learning how the events of the Holocaust and current issues weave together even today,” said Michael Staenberg.

The Inaugural Lecture

The first lecture is also pushed back one from its original date April 12, 2022 to April 19th at The Factory in West St. Louis County and is open to the public.

The annual lecture will also create educational opportunities for Maryville students as well as students from area high schools and youth organizations who will attend the lectures.

“We are both honored and grateful to receive such generous support from the Staenberg Family Foundation to launch this program with the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum,” said Maryville President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “Together we will shine a spotlight on social issues that remind us we must never forget our past so that we can build a more just and better future.”

“We are delighted to forge this partnership with Maryville University to educate the community about the legacies of the Holocaust and its relevant, contemporary lessons,” said Helen Turner, director of education and interpretation for the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. “We’re grateful to our longtime partners and supporters Michael and Carol Staenberg and the Staenberg Family Foundation for making this opportunity possible.”

Tickets for the lecture are $12.00. 

The Factory lobby will be open at 5pm. Doors at 6pm. The program will start at 6:30pm