I am a popular and in demand speaker, having spoken in locations as diverse as 10 Downing Street in London, the United Nations in New York, the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, the Union League Club of Philadelphia and many other locations around the world. I can speak to large community, corporate and educational audiences on a range of topics connected to the life and times of Anne Frank and my 35-year experience of educating about her. I also offer lectures on a range of related historical topics.
My talks and lectures are tailored for each audience profile, nationality, age and time restraints. Usually 45 – 60 minutes in length, and given with a richly illustrated Powerpoint presentation. All talks, speeches and lectures can be delivered without images if necessary and include a Q&A.
My speaker honorarium is not at all alarming. As a former charity CEO, I am mindful that organisations and educational institutions operate on tight budgets.
Anne Frank, Her Life and Surprising Global Legacy
Also titled ‘Anne Frank, Discovering the Girl Beyond the Diary’
I have worked with the story of Anne Frank for 35 years, both in the UK and internationally, and have a unique insight into her life and times. I have been privileged to meet some of those who knew Anne Frank and who have quietly shared their personal memories with me, as well as hundreds of Holocaust survivors who had parallel experiences to those of Anne Frank, some of whom were with her in the concentration camps.
I take the story of Anne’s life through her family background in Frankfurt, their flight to Amsterdam after the Nazis took power, Anne’s emerging personality as a popular and irreverent school girl, her desperation in hiding (as described to me by the family’s courageous helper Miep Gies), her physical and emotional transition into an adolescent and her developing moral framework, which has proved to be an inspirational to millions. I describe Anne’s tragic and poignant last days, including from first hand witnesses.
This lecture also covers the remarkable story of how Anne’s magical thread has woven itself around the world. From the hard fought publication of Anne’s diary in 1947 (and how it so nearly didn’t happen), to the creation by Otto Frank of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and the effect of learning about Anne Frank on millions of people around the world, some in desperate and difficult situations. It contextualises Anne Frank educational projects against the background of world history over the past 30 years and explains the impact she has had in some of the world’s most turbulent and violent regions.
I will also talk about some of the remarkable people who have been involved in my work, including Nelson Mandela, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Steven Spielberg, A-list stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Angelina Jolie, music legends and royalty. There will be surprising insights into my encounters with these.
The Life of Anne Frank and The Legacy of Anne Frank can be given as two separate lectures containing more detail in each.
For schools, I entitle this talk ‘Anne Frank, Discovering the Girl Beyond the Diary’.
Anne Frank’s Amsterdam
Having spent quality time in Amsterdam over three decades working with my esteemed colleagues at the Anne Frank House, this talk combines Anne Frank’s life linked to relevant sights in Amsterdam. Highly interesting for those planning a visit to the city.
“A very big thank you for presenting your lecture ‘Amsterdam Through Anne Frank’s Eyes’ for our Viking TV audience yesterday. It was such a fascinating and informative talk, you have such a lovely friendly style of presenting, and the audience were certainly very engaged with the topic. We all enjoyed it very much – it is such a touching story and is definitely one of my favourite livestreams to date.”
Clare Armitage, Viking Cruises
A Night to Remember: Attending the Oscars with Miep Gies
In March 1996, I experienced an unforgettable night attending the Academy Awards in Hollywood together with Miep Gies, the courageous helper of the Frank family in hiding, to see the documentary feature film, ‘Anne Frank Remembered’ win an Academy Award. I explain the background to the making of Jon Blair’s acclaimed film, Miep’s important part in it, and the inside story of attending this prestigious event.
The Anne Frank Course
A series of five 45-minute talks on different aspects of Anne’s life and legacy, highly suitable for adult learning establishments and cultural organisations:
- The Frank Family Before the Secret Annexe
- Life in Hiding
- The Helpers, and the Other Hiders: Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer
- After the Arrest: Otto’s survival, Publication of the Diary, and the Anne Frank House
- Anne Frank’s Amsterdam
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world.”
Anne Frank, Tales from the Secret Annexe
A small sample of the feedback for my talks and lectures
Universities
“Gillian Perry lectured to our undergraduate students who are studying history and Holocaust studies. She gave an engaging illustrated lecture which covered the story of Anne Frank and her family, and then how Anne’s diary has been used to influence generations of children and adults across the world, often in very challenging situations. The students found her lecture fascinating and their engagement was shown through wide ranging questions which Gillian answered with care and enthusiasm.”
Professor Tony Kushner, Department of History, University of Southampton
“Gillian Perry visited Syracuse University in November 2019. She was brilliant, compassionate, warm, and expert in her content delivery, communication style, and engagement with participants. The audience included university students, faculty, administrators and staff, chaplains, and members of the local community. We remain very grateful for her wisdom and connectedness.”
Dr Diane R. Wiener, Research Professor and Associate Director of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach, Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University, New York
“I have attended several online events this summer and this was my favourite one. Gillian’s ability to instill hope and inspiration into what can sometimes be heavy material, is a great talent.”
Michael Demone, Lecturer, University of Toronto
Schools
“The life of Anne Frank resonates particularly at Gordonstoun where our most famous former student, Prince Philip, and our founder, Dr Kurt Hahn, shared aspects of her experience as a refugee in exile. You spoke so well to three different age groups across the school making her life story accessible, fascinating and relevant; our youngest pupils couldn’t contain their enthusiasm for questions and during our senior school lecture we could have heard a pin drop, such was the skill of your delivery. The legacy, illustrating need of understanding and tolerance between communities could not be more relevant in our world today. Thank you for joining us and for making the inaugural Prince Philip lecture so memorable.”
Karen MacGregor, Director of Student Development, Gordonstoun School
“It was certainly a day to remember and one that our pupils will remember forever, and will no doubt go down as a highlight of their school days here. Gillian – you were an inspiration to them – thank you so much! You could have heard a pin drop in both rooms when you were talking and one of the staff have also said that they felt they were actually there when you were talking.”
Jane Davis, Head Teacher, Lanchester School
“Gillian gave us a thoroughly engaging talk on Anne Frank. She was able to skilfully provide a superb overview of the chronology, and link the story of the Frank family to the development of persecution under the expanding Third Reich in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Gillian read extracts from Anne Frank’s diary as well as her own book on the subject. This provided fascinating insights into the narrative as the lecture progressed. Gillian’s presentation was pitched at exactly the right level and allowed everyone in the audience to access and understand this incredible story.”
Rob Potter, Head of History, Harrow School
“Thank you again so much for being our speaker at Founders’ Day yesterday. I have had lots of positive comments today about how much people appreciated your inspirational words.”
Alistair Brien, Head Teacher, Bournemouth School for Girls
“Thank you for everything. It was such a powerful and moving night. I have received incredible feedback.”
Jill Landgraber, Glen Ridge High School, New Jersey
“Gillian Walnes Perry is an amazing speaker. She broaches the very serious and mature topic of Anne Frank’s life in a sensitive, engaging and age appropriate manner. Her presentation is educational, thought provoking, inspirational and hopeful. We are grateful that our students were able to experience this opportunity.”
Mara Starkey, Librarian, Covington School, Los Altos, California
“I wanted to send a huge thank you to you for taking the time to visit our school and give your presentation. The feedback from the students and staff alike was that it was inspirational. Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing your wisdom.”
Elaine Robinson, Principal, Sir Menassah Meyer International School, Singapore
Cultural, religious and social institutions
“An incredible and powerful lecture. What a WONDERFUL presentation.”
Dr Mehak Burza, Head, Global Holocaust and Religious Studies, Global Centre for Religious Research, Denver CO
“Those in attendance adored you and were deeply moved and inspired. Your beautifully written accounts of everything – including how Nelson Mandela and Audrey Hepburn’s lives were deeply influenced by Anne Frank’s diary – were a revelation, and your lively delivery, connecting with each and every member of the audience, was as natural and human as it was masterful.”
Dr Jud Newborn, Programs Director, Cinema Arts Center, founding historian and creator of the New York Museum of Jewish Heritage
“Thank you SO much for an incredible session on Tuesday evening! Such a privilege to hear you, you bring such passion to Anne’s story.”
Claudia Blythe, Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your talk, and have not stopped talking about it. I have had numerous texts, emails and conversations praising you and your extensive knowledge of the subject. This is one of the best talks we have ever had in the club. Your delivery of the lecture was just right, and despite the fact that this all took place in one of the darkest times in history, it left me and others in awe of the wonderful work that still goes on today, based on the legacy of this young girl. We felt honoured that you agreed to come along and join us.”
Elaine Jarratt, Parkstone Yacht Club