The Holocaust Museum of Porto is widely recognized for its extensive educational and awareness-raising work on the Holocaust, having welcomed and educated hundreds of thousands of students from Portuguese educational institutions, including public, private, and corporate schools and organizations.

However, there is another, less well-known aspect of the museum’s educational mission: its engagement with international academic institutions, both Jewish and non-Jewish, that seek to deepen their understanding of Holocaust history, contemporary Jewish life, and Portugal’s unique role during one of the darkest periods of the twentieth century.

Yesterday, June 17, the museum welcomed a group of university students studying Psychology at the College of Coastal Georgia, United States. The visit formed part of the institution’s academic program and was carefully coordinated with the university’s curriculum to ensure that students could connect historical knowledge with their ongoing studies in human behavior, trauma, resilience, memory, and social responsibility.

Guided by the museum’s Educational Services team, the students were introduced not only to the history of the Holocaust but also to the reality of contemporary Jewish life in Portugal. Through the museum’s exhibitions and educational resources, participants gained a deeper understanding of the experiences of Jewish communities before, during, and after the Holocaust, as well as the enduring importance of remembrance and education in combating antisemitism and intolerance.

A particularly significant component of the visit focused on the role of Porto and Portugal in the reception and assistance of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution during the Holocaust. Students learned about the thousands of refugees who crossed Portuguese territory in search of safety and about the humanitarian efforts that helped many of them continue their journeys to freedom.

The educational visit also provided an opportunity to explore the psychological dimensions of Holocaust history, including the long-term effects of persecution, displacement, loss, and survival on individuals, families, and communities. These themes are especially relevant to students of psychology, offering valuable insights into collective memory, trauma transmission across generations, and the resilience demonstrated by survivors and their descendants.

International academic visits such as this one reflect the growing recognition of the Holocaust Museum of Porto as an important educational institution on the global stage. By welcoming students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, the museum continues to promote historical knowledge, intercultural dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and hatred.

As the College of Coastal Georgia students concluded their visit, they left with a broader appreciation of Portugal’s Jewish heritage, the historical significance of Porto during the Holocaust era, and the ongoing responsibility of educational institutions to preserve memory and foster informed, compassionate citizenship.

Through initiatives like these, the Holocaust Museum of Porto continues to strengthen its commitment to Holocaust education, ensuring that the lessons of history remain relevant for future generations, both in Portugal and around the world.