'Ludzas Sttreet.'Personal narratives can be a powerful conduit for understanding and connection, says Maltz Museum executive director Aaron Petersal. Illustrating this root truth is Boris Lurie, a survivor of Nazi-occupied Latvia whose story anchors the museum’s latest exhibit.

Visitors wanting to experience Boris Lurie: Nothing To Do But To Try—or wanting a deeper perspective on the Jewish-American story—can explore the Beachwood museum free of charge throughout November.

With support from the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission (OHGMEC), guests can learn about a Holocaust survivor who explored his trauma through artistic expression.

“We're very pleased to partner with the Maltz Museum to expand public access to Holocaust education and make the Boris Lurie exhibition available to as many people as possible,” said Holly Hollingsworth, OHGMEC executive director, in an Oct. 22 press release.

The museum’s alliance with OHGMEC highlights a commitment to expand Holocaust education statewide. Following the success of a previous collaboration—The Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from the Łódź Ghetto—Maltz officials were thrilled to reconnect with OHGMEC for this new opportunity, says Petersal.

The 'Boris Lurie: Nothing to Do but to Try' exhibit runs through Jan. 27.“As firsthand witnesses and survivors become fewer, preserving and sharing these stories becomes increasingly important,” he says. “Museums play a critical role in helping people understand the human impact of history through personal narratives and lived experiences. Boris Lurie's story reminds us of both the devastating consequences of hatred and the resilience of the human spirit—lessons that remain deeply relevant today.”

On view until January 27, 2027, the Lurie exhibit includes more than 200 paintings, drawings, writings, photographs, and archival objects. Most of these works were not shown publicly until Lurie’s death in 2008. The result is a vital, if uncomfortable, glimpse into human history, Petersal says.

Petersal says he hopes these experiences leave both first-time guests and longtime supporters with a fuller understanding of a tragedy that demands to be remembered.

“Through Lurie's story and artwork, visitors can connect with history on a personal level while reflecting on the choices individuals make in the face of injustice,” Petersal says. “We also hope free admission encourages new audiences to discover the museum and inspires returning visitors to engage with this remarkable exhibition.”

Boris Lurie self Portrait.Petersal adds that personalizing Holocaust history not only grounds the inconceivable, but it can also encourage guests to fight all forms of bigotry, discrimination, and antisemitism.

“Partnerships like this one allow us to connect more people with powerful educational experiences, and we are always interested in opportunities that advance the museum's mission and expand engagement with our exhibitions and programs,” he says. “We're grateful for the success of our collaborations with OHGMEC and look forward to exploring future opportunities to bring meaningful Holocaust education experiences to our community.”

Free admission to the Maltz Museum starts Sunday, Nov. 1 and runs through Monday, Nov. 30. Ticket reservations are now open.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays; closed on Mondays. The Maltz Museum is located at 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 44122.