On April 29, 2022, a new tree will be planted on the University of Iowa’s Pentacrest—a sapling propagated from the immense horse chestnut tree that grew in the courtyard behind the annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for 761 days during World War II. This living symbol of Anne’s spirit and humanitarian message is the 13th Anne Frank Sapling to be planted in the United States.

This event is free and open to the public. We encourage you to register so that we can approximate the number of attendees.

NOTICE: Because of weather, the 4/29 tree planting ceremony has been moved INDOORS, to the Macbride Hall Auditorium (Room 201). Unless there is lightning, the tree will still be planted outdoors at the end of the ceremony. The Shabbat service and all other post-planting events will still take place. If you requested a chair when registering, you will find your name on a chair near the front of the auditorium.  

The event will also be live-streamed here:

The Anne Frank Tree: Taking Root in Iowa initiative is led by Dr. Kirsten Kumpf Baele (UI German Department), whose research and teaching focuses on Anne Frank; Baele authored the application that secured the sapling for the UI campus and Iowa City community. 

For details, visit the Planting Ceremony webpage. For information about the Anne Frank Tree and associated events, please visit https://uiannefranktree.com/.