Tomorrow, June 12, marks what would have been Anne Frank’s birthday, making this interview and the recent planting of the Anne Frank tree all the more meaningful and poignant.

In the photo, Interim Director Joe Eggers of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Minnesota stands with Natalie Flaherty and Aga Fine, a student assistant at the Center, beside the newly planted Anne Frank tree—a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope.

Interview conducted Monday, June 3, 2025

Two weeks ago, a living tribute to history and resilience was planted in Fairmont, Minnesota: an Anne Frank Tree. Behind this remarkable project is Natalie Flaherty, an 11-year-old student whose compassion and initiative have already left a lasting mark on her community.

Earlier this week, we had the honor of sitting down with Natalie to hear more about the inspiration behind her work, the story of how the tree came to be, and the lessons she hopes others will take from it.

Getting to Know Natalie

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Natalie: My name’s Natalie and I’m going into seventh grade. I’m 11 right now and I’ll be 12 in two months. I have a bracelet mission—my bracelets say “Put a Stop to Hate.” I really like to read and write in my journal.

The Spark Behind the Project

Q: How did the idea of planting an Anne Frank Tree come to you?

We saw that Nebraska was planting one, so we traveled down there. I got to be the keynote speaker at their event. As soon as we got back, we applied right away. We filled out the forms and now we have one here—and I’m so happy that we do.

Q: How did you end up being the keynote speaker?

Because of my bracelet project. We asked if I could help plant the tree, and they said, “No, we want you to speak.”

A Connection Across Time

Q: Was there a moment when you first learned about Anne Frank that really stuck with you?

Yes. When I was seven, I went downstairs and saw my mom watching a documentary about her. As soon as I saw Anne on the screen, I felt an instant connection. Her hope, everything—I just felt it deeply, and it’s stayed with me ever since.

Q: Why Anne Frank, out of so many historical figures?

Because she was a victim of hate, and she was a modern girl—just like me. I felt such a deep connection to her.

Q: What does she mean to you?

She was just a regular girl, and I could feel her pain. I’ve had my own experiences like that. I could really relate.

Why the Tree Matters

Q: Why did you want to bring Anne Frank’s story and this tree to Fairmont?

So that history doesn’t repeat itself. And to show people that even one person—even someone young—can make a difference.

Q: What can people today learn from Anne Frank’s story?

That hate and discrimination still exist. If we don’t learn from the past, we might repeat it. We need to honor people like Anne and keep their stories alive.

Community Support and Impact

Q: Who helped you with this project?

My mom helped a lot. And I had support from teachers, friends, our principal, and even the superintendent. A lot of people stood behind the idea.

Q: What do you hope people feel when they see the tree?

I hope they feel a connection to Anne. I hope it inspires them to be kind to everyone.

Q: What would you like kids your age to take from this?

To be upstanders, not bystanders. And to know that they can make a difference, too—even if they’re only seven.

Q: Do you think the project has changed your school or community?

Yes. I’ve seen less bullying and more kindness and inclusion.

Q: Do people still talk about it?

Yes! It’s on the school website and the Visit Fairmont site, too.

Looking Ahead

Q: Do you think you’ll take on more projects like this?

Yes. I want to keep doing projects about kindness—anything that brings people together.

Q: What advice would you give to other kids who want to make a difference?

It might be hard at first, but you can do it. Even one small act can change the world.

A Voice That Will Not Be Forgotten

Q: If you could say something to someone whose family was affected by the Holocaust, what would it be?

That we support you in every way possible—and that we see you.

Q: If you could say one thing to Anne Frank, what would it be?

I would tell her that her voice and her story live on in so many hearts—and that I will not let her story disappear.

The Legacy Grows

Natalie’s efforts have already reached beyond her school and town. Her “Put a Stop to Hate” bracelet campaign has distributed nearly 90,000 bracelets across all 50 states and 49 countries. She also had the opportunity to meet Holocaust survivor Trudy Stroo in Los Angeles, who gave Natalie a rare Dutch doll from the 1940s.

This August, Natalie will travel to Amsterdam and visit the Anne Frank House—another chapter in her incredible journey.

The Anne Frank Tree planted in Fairmont is more than just a symbol of remembrance. It’s a living testament to how one young person’s empathy, courage, and action can ripple out into the world.

Fairmont now has an Anne Frank Tree because of Natalie Flaherty. And thanks to her, the message Anne carried so bravely continues to grow—branch by branch, heart by heart.