At the Museum

Susan Suarez, President & CEO

For more than 20 years, our mission has been to make people aware that unopposed hate fueled the Holocaust. Our Founders knew the importance of bringing accurate historical facts together with the powerful personal stories of those impacted by this genocide. Our Holocaust education goal hasn’t changed. We want Southwest Florida students, teachers and the public to realize a simple truth: if you can’t/won’t/don’t stand up now for those targeted by bigotry and hatred, you may find yourself one of those targets in the future.

Greater Naples Leadership tour

Museum programming this year

In the 2022-2023 school year, our Holocaust education programming directly impacted more than 11,000 Southwest Florida students and teachers. When combining that with Museum visitors and those attending programs and events, that total rises to nearly 18,000 people. Think of the ripple effect they will create as they share the lessons of the Holocaust with their families, friends and communities. Think how many more people will recognize their own actions are the key to preventing hatred and bigotry in their communities.

North wing update

Our two spaces are now joined together! Many thanks to PBS Contractors, our partners on this project. They completed the demolition and build-out of the north wing with absolutely no disruption to visitors or programs during this season and school year.

Capitol Museum Services begins the installation of the new exhibits in late June. Please note, we are temporarily closed to the public through approximately July 10. During this time, staff can be reached by email. For general questions, please contact us at info@ hmcec.org. Please visit www.hmcec.org for reopening updates. A Grand Opening event will take place in November.

A few naming opportunities are still available. Please contact me for details at Susan@hmcec.org or call 239-263-9200.

“Movies That Matter –Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series”

We completed the 2022-2023 “Movies That Matter – Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series” with a panel discussion on the documentary “APART.” Thank you to Tammy Franklin, associate director, academy programs at Prison Fellowship, and Dawn Kolderman, senior clinical director at Avow, for their participation and insightful comments.

The Human Rights Film Coalition of SWFL presents this annual series featuring three outstanding documentaries for community viewing and discussion. This year, the series was re-named “Movies That Matter – Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series” honoring the late Steve Brazina, a founder of the series who was instrumental in selecting the films. Members of the Coalition are GenShoah SWFL, Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Jewish Community Relations Council, Naples United Church of Christ and Temple Shalom. Our appreciation again to this year’s series sponsors:

• Sustainer: Rhonda Brazina; Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP; Debbie Laites; and Ben Z. Post

• Supporter: FineMark National Bank & Trust, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County

• Patron: Marcy Aizenshtat, Monica and Allan Goodwin, Barbara Kanter, Jenny and Mel Kaplan, Ida and Jeff Margolis, Marci Margolis and Alys Morande

Please save these dates for the Fall 2023 series:

• Wednesday, Oct. 18

• Wednesday, Oct. 25

• Wednesday, Nov. 1

More information on film titles and discussion panelists will be sent this summer. We look forward to your participation!

“Best of the Gulfshore” finalist

Thank you to Gulfshore Life magazine readers and everyone who voted for us in the magazine’s annual “Best of the Gulfshore” survey. The Museum was named a finalist in the "Best Museum Collier County" category, an honor it has received each year since 2017. Survey results appeared in the May 2023 issue.

Museum Board members and PBS executives at Russell’s Barbeque

PBS Contractors event benefits education programs

More than 200 people attended the invitation-only "Russell's Barbecue" event recently held by PBS Contractors to benefit the Museum's education programs. PBS Founder Russell Budd cooked and served his delicious signature barbecue items, Michelbob's restaurant provided the side dishes and gelato company, Jeremiah's Ice, provided desserts. We are honored to have been a beneficiary of this semiannual event which raised nearly $7,000 for the Museum.

Nuremberg prosecutor Ben Ferencz

Ben Ferencz recently passed away at 103. He was the 27-year-old lawyer who was assigned as prosecutor for the Nuremberg Einsatzgruppen trials. The incriminating documents he found researching Nazi military and concentration camp files produced the proof used to convict 22 Nazis, including six generals, on charges for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Following his work at the Nuremberg trials, Ferencz devoted his life to securing international legal recognition for crimes against humanity and for laws to end wars of aggression. His efforts were chronicled in the 2018 documentary, “Prosecuting Evil. The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz." Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate.