At the Museum this fall

Susan Suarez, President & CEO

Welcome to fall! We have an exciting lineup of programs and events for you to enjoy. Read below for details and become a member of the Museum to support our mission.

North Wing update

We’ve reached the end of our expansion project! Capitol Museum Services is currently installing new exhibits in both the new North Wing and the existing museum. We plan to tentatively reopen to the public Oct. 31.

One portion of the North Wing recently opened — the new Herbert H. Schiff Classroom. It hosted an information session for Grand Living, a new Senior Residential community opening in 2024 in North Naples. This spacious room is available to our community for rental and can accommodate up to 70 people. If your organization is interested in holding a meeting there, please contact Museum Education Specialist David Nelson at David@hmcec.org for more information.

Grand reopening programs

In order to celebrate our reopening to the community, we are offering two special programs. On Saturday, Nov. 4, we will offer a Family Day with children’s activities. On Saturday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day, we will offer a special program and complimentary museum admission.

“Forgeries and The Holocaust” exhibit

After WWII ended, forgeries of Holocaust-related items abounded. This exhibit will explore examples of articles that were sold or collected as “genuine.” Included among them are several artifacts donated to the Museum, which research later determined were forgeries. We’ll also review some common methods used by forgers over the years, as well as instances where forgeries were used not to deceive collectors, but German authorities, saving thousands of lives across Europe. The exhibit will be on display in the new Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through December 2023.

Movies that Matter

The 2023 Movies that Matter – Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series begins this month. Three important human rights issues will be discussed on the following Zoom programs:

• Oct. 18 – “Poor Kids,” highlighting the impact of poverty on children in America

• Oct. 25 – “Repairing the World,” showing the response of the Pittsburgh community to the attack on the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue

• Nov. 1 – “The Invisible Class,” reviewing the stereotypes and systemic causes associated with homelessness in America

Each Zoom discussion program will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S. and Canada) and feature local experts on the subjects and a Q&A. Film links will be provided prior to each discussion to watch at your convenience. Sponsorships are available. Please visit our website, HMCEC.org, for more information. Movies that Matter is presented by the Museum, GenShoah SWFL, Interfaith Alliance, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Naples United Church of Christ and Temple Shalom.

The Luncheon

We hope you will save the date and join us for “The Luncheon” Dec. 6 at Vineyards Country Club. The event raises funds for our education programs. You will see a special performance of “Letters from Anne and Martin” from the Anne Frank Center in New York. The performance is a short, two-person reading of the most memorable writings of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, who were both born in 1930, yet lived in vastly different worlds. Tickets are $150, and sponsorships are now available. Please visit HMCEC.org for more information.

Fund a student field trip

Now that school is back in session, we invite you to consider funding a student field trip to the Museum. Our Holocaust education programs are so important in informing students about the consequences of hate and bigotry, and of their power to stand up and do the right thing to act against bigotry and hatred. Please contact me for more information at Susan@hmcec.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the new North Wing and updated Museum!