In August 1945, the Allies faced an unprecedented question: how should the world respond to crimes so vast they seemed beyond law itself? The Nuremberg Trials answered that question by establishing that individuals, even heads of state, could be held accountable for crimes against humanity.

This four-day educator retreat explores the origins, conduct, and legacy of the Nuremberg Trials, with special attention to the leadership of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson as Chief U.S. Prosecutor. Participants will examine the moral and political decisions that shaped the trials, the challenges of prosecuting mass atrocity, and the continuing struggle for international justice.

Through presentations, primary sources, and collaborative activities, educators will gain both historical understanding and practical tools for teaching this pivotal moment in world history. Sessions will address propaganda, moral courage, the role of witnesses, and the ongoing relevance of Nuremberg in today’s global landscape.

Participants will leave with classroom-ready materials, new pedagogical strategies, and a deeper understanding of how law, history, and ethics intersect when confronting injustice.

Lunch will be provided each day.

Scholars:

• Eileen Angelini, Ph.D., recipient of a 2010-2011 Canada-U.S. Fulbright award as a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Globalization and Cultural Studies at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON), received her B.A. in French from Middlebury College and her M.A. and Ph.D. in French Studies from Brown University. Dr. Angelini, named to the 2013-2017 Fulbright Specialist Roster, was the Grantee for Fulbright Specialist Project “Francophone Culture: Literature, Pedagogy and Additional Language Acquisition” at the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba). Dr. Angelini's work with Holocaust survivors and documenting the events of the WWII Occupation of France was recognized by the French Government with the award of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques. This award was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in March 1808 as a reward for devotion and accomplishment in the realm of teaching. Dr. Angelini’s teaching has also been recognized by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) with the Dorothy Ludwig National Award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the University Level and by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT) with the Ruth E. Wasley Distinguished Teacher Award Post-Secondary.
• Elizabeth Hosier is the Director of Programs at the Robert H. Jackson Center and is responsible for designing and curating educational programs, workshops, lectures, and events in alignment with the Center’s mission of promoting democracy and human rights through Jackson's life and principles. Elizabeth dual majored in history and adolescent education for her B.A. at Canisius College (now Canisius University) with a focus on WWII and Holocaust Studies. She received her MSED in adolescent literacy from Saint Bonaventure University. With over a decade of experience in the museum field, Elizabeth has become passionate about engaging with diverse audiences through dynamic educational experiences.

Questions? Email ehosier@roberthjackson.org

Register by filling out this form. Retreat open to 25 educators, free of charge.