Our Mission & History
Our Mission
The Mission of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights is to promote respect for human dignity and diversity through education and to foster the individual responsibility to work for peace and justice.
“Saying ‘yes’ to human rights is the best way to say ‘no’ to prejudice.”
-BILL WASSMUTH
Local and National Impact
Our team works tirelessly to educate local learners of all ages, while simultaneously reaching a national audience through extensive virtual resources and partnerships.
History of The Center
The Center was founded in 1996 to build a memorial to human rights. In 2002 the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial opened to the public. Each year over 10,000 students participate in programming at the Memorial. Additionally, Boise Parks and Rec estimates that 120,000 visitors interact with the Memorials’ messaging each year. Docent-led tours are available upon request year-round.
Though inspired by Anne Frank, the Memorial is not simply a static space to reflect on her short life or the horrors of the Holocaust. It was instead designed to actively engage us to think, to talk with one another, and to respond to the human rights issues we face in our community, country and world.
Our planned one-of-a-kind human rights education building will fully embody the work of the Center: creating communities committed to dignity and hope with new facilities, technology, and programming opportunities.
Our Vision
Building on the learning and reflection opportunities in the Memorial, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights provides programs and resources designed to bring the Memorial’s message into classrooms and communities.
We envision an inclusive society where Idahoans take responsibility for promoting and protecting human rights; where everyone is valued and treated with equal dignity and respect; and where everyone’s human rights are a lived reality.
Be a Part of Building Our Future
The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights is 100% dependent on donations. We need your help to continue the valuable work being done in classrooms and communities throughout the state.