Students Reflect on Holocaust Exhibit at the ROM
On January 21, Ms. Hansler and Mr. Morton’s Grade 10 Canadian History students had the opportunity to visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to experience Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away. This powerful exhibit brought the realities of the Holocaust to life in a way that no textbook could.
As part of their studies, our students have been learning about the Holocaust, but seeing the artifacts, photographs, and personal stories up close was an experience unlike any other. During a 45-minute guided tour, they explored objects from before, during, and after Auschwitz—items that once belonged to people, each with their own story.
Afterward, students took part in a debrief session with ROM educators, where they processed what they had seen and shared their reactions. Their reflections were moving:
“The exhibit made what we’ve studied more real. The kids' shoes, the clothing, and information about medical experiments were hard to see.”
“The dress of a woman stood out for me. In the pressing and terrifying condition, she still wore the pink dress underneath the striped shirts and pants. It showcased her humanity and love of beauty. It reminded us that real people, real human beings were killed.”
“The pair of shoes stood out to me because it was a symbol of all the people who died in concentration camps. The shower head also stood out. It was weird because it wasn't functional, but was put in the shower rooms as a gimmick to make people think they were showering.”
“I was struck by the video at the end of the exhibit showing what was lost because so many people were really young and happy, and then they were just taken.”
History is more than just dates and facts—it’s about people, their lives, and the impact of events on the world we live in today. This trip gave our students a chance to connect with the past in a personal way. The emotions they expressed—shock, sadness, and empathy—show just how meaningful this experience was for them.
It’s one thing to read about history, but it’s another to experience it in such a visceral way. This visit reinforced the importance of understanding and reflecting on our world’s history—not just as a lesson from the past, but as a way to shape a more informed and compassionate future.
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4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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