Elana Oser has always been passionate about history. Elana’s ambition is to connect the public to the past—to inspire the next generation of historians, thinkers, and leaders. Growing up, Elana attended a Jewish Day School from elementary to high school. Many of her classes focused on 20th-century European history, where she learned about her ancestors’ experiences. Her high school education ended with the unique experience of studying abroad in Poland, Prague, and Israel for three months with the purpose of seeing the remnants of the history she spent years studying. Her time in Poland and Prague was a valuable, challenging, and inspirational experience. After years of hearing the phrase “Never Forget” in her classes, this experience was one that solidified her decision to become a curator to preserve and teach the important histories of marginalized people.

 

Elana is currently a Master of Arts candidate in the Museum Studies program at the George Washington University. Her concentration in the program is Exhibition Development and Public Engagement, with an additional focus on American Studies. Working as the volunteer curator for ArtWorks ADL offers an opportunity to provide a space for the public to learn about justice and advocacy through art. The stunning art produced for ArtWorks capture the stories of the people that fought for equality, and it is an honor to help share the vision of the artists.