Steve Cassidy has a collection of items from Nazi concentration camps that he takes to schools where he gives talks about the Holocaust. (Enquirer photo/TONY JONES)

Cassidy, 39, of Hamilton, has identifying badges from every occupied country in Europe that Jews were forced to wear; letters from most of the concentration camps; and prisoners' uniforms.

Long ago, Cassidy decided to show others what can happen when people become intolerant. In 1996 he began giving free talks about the Holocaust - speaking at historical societies, museums, at schools in Hamilton, Butler and Clermont counties, colleges and universities.

"People call me from all over to come talk to groups. I bring artifacts, then I basically go over the history of the Holocaust," said Cassidy. "A lot of people are shocked and amazed at how graphic it is. Also they're shocked at how industrialized it became. It created a large industry of slave labor."

Last year, curiosity led Cassidy to the Mapping Our Tears exhibit at Skirball Museum at Hebrew Union College, Clifton. There he met Shawn Jeffers, education coordinator at the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.

Jeffers said he was impressed by Cassidy's dedication.

"He agreed to meet with me and share his Holocaust memorabilia," Jeffers said. "Since then, he's been a steady and willing volunteer for us, graciously donating items from his collection and participating in our speakers bureau."

"I love history, and the Holocaust - more than any time in history - is a prime example of man's inhumanity to man. I don't believe in that, and I love to speak against it," Cassidy said.

Do you know a Hometown Hero? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net, or fax to 513-755-4150.