5 minute read
At the Holocaust Museum
Erin Blankenship President & CEO
Hello! I am thrilled to join this community as the new President and CEO of the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. I have admired the Museum from afar as it has grown over the years and am honored to help advance its important work in Southwest Florida. We owe retiring President and CEO Susan Suarez enormous thanks for her tremendous accomplishments in developing the Museum into the leading cultural and educational institution it is today. She was generous enough to work with me for several weeks before she left to make the transition a smooth one.
For those of you who don’t know me yet, I most recently served as Deputy Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. During my tenure of more than 23 years, I managed the museum’s American Alliance of Museums accreditation process, developed and stewarded national and international partnerships, and created innovative programming in support of Holocaust education. It has been the highlight of my life to work with Holocaust survivors, liberators and their families; to preserve their stories and the precious mementos of survival; and to share their stories of hope and resilience with others. Because of this, growing The FHM's permanent collection was central to my work — increasing from 1,000 objects to its current size of over 24,000 artifacts, artworks and archival pieces.
Triumph of Resilience event
I couldn't have joined the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center at a better time. My first few weeks here, I have had the opportunity to meet a number of our community members at our wonderful “Triumph of Resilience” event. The recent sold-out dinner honored Holocaust survivor Sam Harris, co-founder and president emeritus of the Illinois Holocaust Museum. We also shared the short film about Harris’ life, “An Undeniable Voice,” which was produced by actress and activist Sharon Stone. The film’s director, Price Arana, was on hand to introduce the film. Later, Harris and his granddaughter, Jessica Kreamer, discussed the impact he has had on her life.
At the “Triumph of Resilience” sponsor reception, guests were treated to a preview of Harris’ remarks and met with educators whose students have been impacted through the work of the HMCEC. Our thanks to Sam and Dede Harris and their family, our event sponsors and all who made this evening memorable. Net proceeds benefited the Museum’s education programs.
Museum programming
Take advantage of one of the Museum's many free public programs. Recently, we were honored to host two special programs: "The Women of Ravensbrück and the White Buses Rescue" and "The Holocaust in Salonika, the Jerusalem of the Balkans." Richard Ohlsson, president and creator of the Better Futures Foundation, shed light on the special 1945 rescue mission originally meant to help only Scandinavian women, but which eventually liberated 15,500 prisoners of more than 20 nationalities. Sam Varsano, whose parents were Holocaust survivors, spoke of the impact of the Holocaust in Jewish communities in Greece.
Our current special exhibition, “Convincing the Masses: Propaganda at Home and Abroad,” is on display in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through mid-August 2025. This original HMCEC exhibition features artifacts from the Museum’s permanent collection and materials loaned specifically for the exhibition. It illustrates the many ways propaganda was used during World War II by both the Nazis and the allies. The exhibition reminds us how important it is to “consider the source” regarding news and information. From common household goods to items commemorating special events, these items were used to help to build and secure loyalty among citizens and potential allies to that side’s cause.
When you visit, be sure to see the new “UpStander Profiles” exhibit in the F.E. Nortman and Jack Nortman Remembrance Hall. “Upstanders” are people who make the choice to help those facing persecution and hatred. The stories we share are of upstanders whose international, national and local actions made a difference to those in need. Guests are invited to write and post a note on one of the panels sharing a message about upstanders they know.
Tour the Museum
Did you know we have a variety of tours to help you explore the Museum? Self-guided tours are always complimentary with admission. Docent-led tours are now available by reservation on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 12:15 p.m. Visit our website, hmcec.org, to RSVP for the date of your choice.
Our private group tours are also a great activity for family, friends and organizations. Available by appointment when the Museum is closed to the public, you can choose from several program options while having the Museum to yourselves. Contact Julie@hmcec.org for more information.
To schedule a student field trip, please contact Katie@hmcec.org for more information. School tours are also held when we’re closed to the public and offer age-appropriate Holocaust Education programs and activities.
Finally, on Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m., the community is invited to attend the Annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day Service. The program will take place at Temple Shalom (4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples). The program is free and registration is requested at www.jewishnaples.org.
I look forward to meeting you and hope to see you soon at the Museum!
