At the Museum

Susan Suarez, President & CEO

It has been a very eventful year on many fronts for all of us. Southwest Florida is slowly recovering from the biggest event of all — Hurricane Ian. We are grateful to all those helping our community rebuild — the first responders, the community organizations providing relief to people hardest hit by the storm and the companies coming from near and far to restore power and internet and rebuild infrastructure and homes.

The most wonderful thing was seeing how people have stepped up to help each other before, during and after the storm. It is heartwarming to see that, in this crisis, our common humanity and respect for each other held strong. We’ve witnessed countless examples of kindness and empathy, often in the face of terrible danger. The hashtag “#SWFLStrong” says it all – Southwest Florida will endure and emerge stronger than ever.

North Wing construction underway

Our long-awaited expansion has begun! Designing and creating the Museum’s new North Wing are David Corban Architect, PBS Contractors and Capitol Museum Services. These firms brought our award-winning new Museum location to fruition in 2019. The North Wing expansion space and renovations will include a new Auschwitz gallery, a large classroom, a new special exhibit gallery and a gallery focused on other genocides and human rights. There will also be restrooms, a small catering kitchen, more storage and education staff offices.

Many thanks to our Board of Directors and the generous donors who made this expansion a reality. Naming opportunities are still available. Please contact me for more information at Susan@HMCEC. org or call 239-263-9200.

The luncheon

The Museum’s annual winter fundraiser takes place on Dec. 7. The program will feature actor/author Tom Dugan performing excerpts from his award-winning oneman play, “Wiesenthal.” A very limited number of tickets may still be available as this December issue of the Federation Star is published. If you are interested in attending, please visit www.HMCEC.org or contact Tim@HMCEC.org.

Many thanks to this year’s sponsors

As of 11/1/22, they are: Testimony Sponsors: Maureen and

Arnold Lerner

Hope Sponsors: Suzanne and Norman Cohn; Rissa Grossman; Fran and Rob Nossen; Estelle and Stuart Price; Nancy White

Inspire Sponsors: Goldie and Lou Bertone; Diane and Ron McGinty

Patron Sponsors: Shirley and Marshall Besikof; Shelli Halper; Janis Larson; Phyllis and Stephen Strome

Varian Fry

David Nelson Lecture Series

The David Nelson Lecture Series, “Stories of the Holocaust,” continues at the Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to noon. The presentation will focus on “Varian Fry – The Artists’ Schindler.” Tickets are $10 and advanced registration is required. Visit www.HMCEC. org to purchase your ticket. This is the final lecture in this year’s series created by David, who is the Museum’s education specialist.

GenShoah Annual Potluck at the Museum

GenShoah’s annual potluck dinner will take place at the Museum on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Shelley Lieb at liebro@gmail.com.

End-of-year charitable contributions

Please consider an end-of-year contribution in support of the Museum’s education programs. Your generosity allows us to reach students and teachers across Southwest Florida with year-round impactful programming. By sharing the important lessons of the Holocaust, you help inspire the next generation to stand up to hatred, bigotry and violence. Please contact me for more information and thank you for your consideration.

Coming in January

Sign up now for the “Nazi Looted Art – Unfinished Business” lecture series by Ellaine Rosen. The five-part series begins Jan. 12, 2023. The lectures will be held at the Museum from 2 to 4 p.m. While the lectures are free, a suggested minimum donation of $18 is greatly appreciated. Advance registration is required. Please visit www.HMCEC.org to RSVP.

As the year ends, I would like to acknowledge and express our appreciation to all our dedicated volunteers and generous supporters. Your wonderful contributions of time, talent and financial support makes it possible for us to pursue our mission for the past 21 years. Thank you!

I wish you and your families a Happy Chanukah and a healthy and happy new year ahead. I look forward to seeing you at the Museum and our programs soon!