“The Holocaust is the darkest part of the narrative – one we cannot skip over or sugarcoat. We’ve worked with historians to present the facts, leaving space for visitors to draw their own conclusions. The exhibition includes historical photos, documents, eyewitness testimonies, and silent witnesses – four WWII-era shell casings found during the 2015 restoration of the Liaudiškiai mass grave site,” says Petrukonytė.
She stresses that original historical artifacts form the foundation of the museum – many donated or loaned by descendants of Šeduva’s Jews, institutions, and other museums. Yet, modern technology and interactive features are also used. Each gallery has its own soundscape – some even feature unique scents or changes in temperature. Stories unfold on screens through video and audio. One of the most powerful experiences awaits in the “People of the Book” gallery, which resembles a synagogue and features an immersive installation showcasing Judaic symbols and sounds.
Storytelling Through Film
Some stories are told through the language of cinema. The museum commissioned a series of documentary re-enactment films that chronicle the life of a Jewish family from Šeduva. The opening film is narrated in Lithuanian by actress Jovita Jankelaitytė and in English by renowned Jewish-American actor Liev Schreiber, whose family hails from Ukraine. The films were directed by Roberta Grossman, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
“We are honored to have Roberta Grossman involved. Her films bring the shtetl of Šeduva to life, centering on characters inspired by real historical figures. Through these films, visitors follow the full life story of Paja-Chaja and her daughter Frida, experiencing the milestones of a Jewish family’s life – a story that, sadly, ends with the Holocaust,” Petrukonytė shares.
Paja-Chaja serves as the guiding thread through the 20th-century story of Šeduva’s shtetl. She is instantly recognizable by her bright red headscarf: “Just like the girl in the red coat in Schindler’s List, Paja-Chaja is not faceless or nameless. She symbolizes the truth that every Holocaust victim had a name,
a family, and dreams. And we tell at least some of their stories here.”
Voices That Bring the Stories to Life
Visitors who prefer to explore the museum independently can use free audio guides. The general audio guide, narrated by actors Paulius Markevičius and Vesta Šumilovaitė-Tertelienė, presents the museum’s story through select exhibits. Two artistic audio guides offer a more intimate perspective, inspired by the real lives of Šeduva Jews.
“The audio guides were inspired by local residents – pharmacist Nochum Berman and Shula Nol, the wife of a fabric merchant. Using historical records and family stories, we retraced their steps through Šeduva to view history through their eyes – to believe, dream, and love. The Lithuanian versions are voiced by acclaimed film and theatre actors Rasa Samuolytė and Laurynas Jurgelis,” Petrukonytė explains.
The museum also provides an audio guide tailored for visitors with visual impairments and includes various tools and supports for guests with special needs.
“The museum features tactile maps and exhibits, allowing everyone to experience the museum in the most meaningful way for them. The space is wheelchair accessible, and for visitors sensitive to stimuli, sound and light installations can be dimmed upon request. From the outset, accessibility has been
a central part of our mission,” notes Petrukonytė.
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