BOISE, Idaho — This story originally appear in the Idaho Press.
Expansion of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights has long been overdue.
On Thursday, the center will debut an essential element as its operation continues to grow, with the unveiling of its new Philip E. Batt Education Building.
The nearly 6,000-square-foot, two-story facility is located adjacent to the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial near downtown Boise along the greenbelt.
Its primary focus will be continuing the Wassmuth Center’s mission of human rights enlightenment. The center said, at its core, it will promote respect for human dignity and diversity through education, and look to foster individual responsibility in its quest for peace and justice.
Wassmuth Center Executive Director Christina Bruce-Bennion added that integrating those elements into entities such as community systems, schools and work environments is essential. In turn, Bruce-Bennion said, that’s how individuals can feel safe and that “their dignity is honored.”
“That is kind of the core mission of the work that we do,” Bruce-Bennion said.
“This building embodies that work.”
The education building, which cost about $6.4 million, was built on the strength of nearly 650 donors that includes individuals, foundations, companies and community groups.
“It’s been an extraordinary show of support,” Bruce-Bennion said.
Previously, the Wassmuth Center’s educational efforts revolved around the Anne Frank Memorial, a small building nearby, and other community venues — “wherever we could find a home or space for it,” Bruce-Bennion said.
The Wassmuth Center was founded in 1996, and the Anne Frank Memorial opened to the public in 2002.
“As the demand for programming grew, it really became apparent that having a space, adjacent to the memorial, was kind of the dream,” Bruce-Bennion said. “And, here we are.”
Inside the education center is a first-floor complex of offices, staff workspaces, a public gathering for tours and a gift shop. The center’s second floor features a public human rights classroom for hybrid teaching and learning, a library and a room dedicated to Holocaust education.
There are also 28 pieces of art in the facility promoting human rights, done mostly by Idaho artists.
Bruce-Bennion said the center provides a variety of programs for learners of all ages. Children can be involved in Kindness Camp and Compassion Crew, while the Wassmuth Youth Leadership Program is designed for high school students.
The center also has a Human Rights Education Fellowship; hosts film, author events and book clubs; and does company training.
The education building will be open for programming and scheduled public tours, which will begin in 2025, according to Wassmuth Center Board Member Brian Cronin. He added that the Anne Frank Memorial is always open to the public and those interested can schedule a docent tour of the memorial.
Some of the building’s educational programs are open to the public as well, Cronin said. For scheduling and more information, email info@wassmuthcenter.org.
Additionally, Cronin pointed out that, “for a reasonable fee,” groups, organizations and companies can reserve space in the education building and make use of the catering kitchen for private events, receptions and meetings.
The building is named after Phil Batt, Idaho’s Republican governor from 1995-1999. Bruce-Bennion said that during his tenure, Batt implemented a human rights commission on the state level, and was an advocate for farm worker rights. After his term, Batt was an advocate for the LGBTQ community, Bruce-Bennion said.
Batt died in March 2023, on his 96th birthday.
“Phil Batt, I think, was someone who really came from an era where there were strides made,” she said. “Again, we have a lot of work to do still as a state.”
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.