Three local groups, The Mobile Area Jewish Federation, Gulf Coast Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education and Alabama Public Television, are hosting a special preview of Director Ken Burn's new documentary, "The U.S. and Holocaust." The free event will take place at Bernheim Hall at Ben May Library, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m.

"The U.S. and the Holocaust," is a three-part, six-hour series and tells the story of how the American people grappled with one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the 20th century and how this struggle tested the ideals of our democracy. By examining events leading up to and during the Holocaust with fresh eyes, this film dispels the competing myths that Americans either were ignorant to what was happening to the Jews in Europe, or that they merely looked on with callous indifference.

A discussion with Dr. Alexandria Ruble, assistant professor of History at Springhill College, and a light dessert reception will immediately follow the series preview. The event is free, but reservations are required. Email your name and guest names to majf.director@gmail.com.

Premiering on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Sept. 18-20, "The U.S. and the Holocaust" is directed by Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein, written by Geoffrey C. Ward, story by Kevin Baker and produced by Burns, Novick, Botstein and Mike Welt.