Maine Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under Maine’s genocide education law, LD 1644 (2021) and codified in 20‑A M.R.S.A. § 4706 [oai_citation:0‡legislature.maine.gov](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_129th/billtexts/SP031002.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Mandates instruction in the history of genocide, including the Holocaust, in all public schools aligned with graduation standards
How the Holocaust Appears in Maine’s Standards
Elementary Through High School (Grades K–12)
- Genocide history—including the Holocaust—must be incorporated into social studies and history instruction at all grade levels
- Content must align with required standards for American history, Maine studies, and genocide, including defining “Holocaust” under 1933–1945 Nazi policies
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
Maine educators are encouraged to use:
- Curriculum materials from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Echoes & Reflections resources
- Survivor testimony videos and primary source documents
Teaching Notes for Maine Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – LD 1644 (2021); codified in 20‑A § 4706 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes, in K–12 social studies and history |
| Grade Levels | All grades, with age-appropriate depth |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium – integrated by grade level and course |
| Professional Development | Supported via district-level training and national partners |
Conclusion
Maine law requires comprehensive genocide education—including the Holocaust—across all public school grades. The instruction is aligned with academic standards for U.S. history, Maine history, and genocide education. Educators are encouraged to leverage national curriculum materials and survivor testimony to help students connect historical knowledge with moral and civic reflection.