Florida Holocaust Museum preserves history through education and survivor support
The Florida Holocaust Museum plays a key role in preserving Holocaust history and educating the public. Located in St. Petersburg, it houses significant collections, including the archives of Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel. Each year, the museum marks Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, the anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation.
The museum's core mission centres on Holocaust education. It provides teacher training, a virtual library, and Teaching Trunks for schools across Florida. These resources support the state's Holocaust Mandate, which requires public schools to teach the subject from Grades 5 to 12. The museum also serves as an advisory body for curriculum development.
Recent expansions have enhanced the museum's exhibits. Visitors can now see a restored Danish fishing boat used to rescue Jews during World War II, alongside a railcar from the Holocaust era. Interactive displays feature survivor testimonies, offering firsthand accounts of the period.
Beyond education, the museum collaborates with Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS). This organisation assists Holocaust survivors through financial grants, volunteer programmes, and weekly telephone check-ins for seniors. Eric Stillman, the museum's President and CEO, and Elke Cumming, Senior Vice President of Gulf Coast JFCS, have both highlighted the importance of remembrance and support for survivors.
The Elie Wiesel Collection remains one of the museum's most significant holdings. It includes the late author's personal items, manuscripts, and artefacts. However, current records do not identify any founder or leader specifically overseeing this collection.
The Florida Holocaust Museum continues to expand its role in education and preservation. With updated exhibits, survivor support programmes, and state-mandated teaching initiatives, it ensures that Holocaust history remains accessible to future generations. The institution's work aligns with the annual observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27.
