{"id":6422,"date":"2018-07-27T21:46:35","date_gmt":"2018-07-28T01:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nateandrachael.com\/terrehaute\/?p=6422"},"modified":"2018-07-27T23:26:43","modified_gmt":"2018-07-28T03:26:43","slug":"the-journey-that-saved-curious-george","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nateandrachael.com\/terrehaute\/the-journey-that-saved-curious-george\/","title":{"rendered":"The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s not every day that the average family has reason to get excited about new exhibits at art and history museums, but the new exhibit presented by CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center and hosted at the Swope Art Museum will surely excite and attract both local families and out-of-town visitors!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Because the art, programming, presentations, and events focus on a theme that kids and families already know and love: Curious George!<\/p>\n

This new exhibit celebrates the creators of the George stories and their flee from Nazi-occupied France. (That means that although George certainly makes an appearance in the art and programming, the focus is on the people<\/em> behind the curious little monkey: Margret and H.A. Rey.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Journey that Saved Curious George<\/h1>\n

With that in mind, do you know the fascinating history of everyone’s favorite, mischievous monkey?<\/p>\n

From the CANDLES website:<\/a><\/p>\n

“Long before getting himself into all sorts of mischief in the beloved Curious George books, the famous monkey made an incredible journey when his creators escaped the Nazi invasion of France.<\/p>\n

When authors Margret and H.A. Rey were forced to flee Paris as the Nazi army began to invade, they began their dangerous journey of escape on bicycles, pedaling to Southern France. The manuscript and illustrations for the Curious George book were among the few possessions they were able to take with them. Escaping on trains through Spain, Portugal, and all the way to Brazil, the Reys finally reached the United States in October of 1940. Once they were living in the United States, they created a contract with Houghton Mifflin for The Adventures of Fifi<\/em>, later retitled The Adventures of Curious George<\/em>…<\/p>\n

The Swope Art Museum will display their story along with fun activities for children, families, and adults of all ages. CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center will display original works of art created in concentration camps and American anti-Nazi propaganda cartoons.”<\/p>\n

\"\"
Allan Drummond, (detail) A Bicycle Maker, 2005, courtesy Allan Drummond and the Institute for Holocaust Education, Omaha, Nebraska<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Earlier this week, I had the chance to pop into the Swope to see the Curious George-themed art.<\/p>\n

The exhibit is family-friendly; children are most-definitely welcome!<\/p>\n

Here’s what Edward Trover from the Swope has to say: “It is a really great exhibition for all ages. Adults with memories of Curious George from their childhood will be fascinated to learn the story behind the creation of the character. The newer generations of Curious George lovers will have the opportunity to be exposed to the Holocaust in a respectful way, and learn the importance of understanding racism, prejudices, and stereotyping.”<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Are you worried about the cost of taking your kids to experience this beautiful mix of art and history? Guess what?! Terre Haute’s amazing art museum will definitely fit into your family budget, because admission to the Swope Art Museum is free<\/strong><\/a> (although donations are always welcome)!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beyond the art, this exhibit is bringing several events for kids and families to the Terre Haute area.<\/p>\n