JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 51 the public. During its first year, more than 65,000 visitors viewed exhibits there. The center became known for its visual accounts of the Holocaust and modern day issues with shows such as Judy Chicago’s “Holocaust Project: From Darkness to Light,” Michael Smuss’ “Reflections of a Survivor,” the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s “Stealing Home: How Jackie Robinson Changed America,” and Robert Fisch’s “Light from a Yellow Star.” In 1999, the center changed its name to the Florida Holocaust Museum to better reflect its impact on the entire state of Florida. The museum played a critical role in shaping the legislation that made Florida one of the first states to mandate Holocaust education in the public schools. Elizabeth Gelman, executive director of the museum, has led it to being one of the most important Holocaust memorials in our country. Photographs on a wall beyond the box car provide a further graphic reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. The museum played a critical role in mandating Holocaust education in the public schools. The museum’s core exhibition, “History Heritage and Hope,” features artifacts, videos and photos of the Holocaust. The museum’s leadership council is led by its Executive Director Elizabeth Gelman and Vice Chair of Development Rachael Worthington, Esq. Besides seeking donations to support its programs, the museum continues to document the Holocaust by accepting original material and encouraging survivors and subsequent generations to share their stories. Along with honoring the memory of the millions who suffered, died or were affected by the Holocaust, the museum staff members are dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life to help prevent future genocides. It is their hope that by understanding what took place, history will not be repeated so that the future will be filled with peace and harmony throughout the world. 9 EDITOR’S NOTE: The Florida Holocaust Museum is located at 55 Fifth Street South in St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For more information, call (727) 820-0100 or visit flholocaustmuseum.org. FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM WIL LUGO
19438TB
To see the actual publication please follow the link above