4 minute read
At the Museum
Susan Suarez, President & CEO
As I write this, thousands of people are dealing with the incredible devastation wrought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. And unfortunately, some of our neighbors also continue to recover from Hurricane Ian that struck two years ago. Our thoughts are with them all.
I recently shared that I will be retiring from the Museum on March 14, 2025. It has been my honor to serve as president and CEO, and I am thrilled with all we have accomplished together. Between now and March, my team and I will be busy with an exciting season of programs, exhibits and special events planned for you. It will be one of our best seasons ever!
We kicked off the year with our annual Volunteer Welcome Back event. If you’d like more information about our volunteer opportunities, please visit hmcec.org.
Movies That Matter
Our next Movies That Matter Zoom panel discussion on Nov. 6 will feature diabetes and the high cost of treatment. The documentary “Pay or Die” looks at this insidious disease and the financial and emotional costs. You can watch the film online at your convenience or attend a “Watch Party” at the Museum prior to the Zoom discussion. Reservations are required to receive the film viewing, Zoom links and to attend the “Watch Party.” Please visit hmcec.org to RSVP.
Kristallnacht Commemoration
This year’s community Kristallnacht Commemoration presented by the Catholic Jewish Dialogue will take place Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples. All are welcome.
Education department news
Our education department was invited by Collier County Public Schools administration to participate in an educator workshop for social studies teachers, grades 6-10. We were grateful for this wonderful opportunity to meet and brief 75 current and new teachers on our Holocaust education programs. We discussed the various options available on campus and at the Museum to help them meet Florida’s Holocaust education mandate.
When students and teachers tour the Museum this school year, newly created interactive activities will help them engage with the history and lessons of the Holocaust. You should see how our classroom becomes a hive of activity as they dive into these interesting projects!
We are pleased to again welcome GenShoah SWFL members as education program partners. By sharing their families’ personal stories of the Holocaust, they provide students and teachers a unique perspective that brings history alive. Members also continue to contribute short stories about family Holocaust experiences to the “Portraits of Remembrance” project, used in our Holocaust education programs with middle school students. If you are a child or grandchild of survivors and are interested in more information, please contact Education Specialist David Nelson at David@hmcec.org.
If you are a parent or grandparent with K-12 student in a Southwest Florida school, you can help promote Holocaust education by letting the principal and teachers know about the Museum’s free programs for schools. Contact David@ hmcec.org, and we can email or mail you a flyer to give to your student’s school.
State Senator visit
Florida State Senator Jonathan Martin recently visited the Museum with his staff. Sen. Martin represents District 33 (Lee County). We have had a strong relationship with the schools in Lee County for many years. We relayed how we present the stories and history of the Holocaust to students. A highlight of his visit was showing him the newest special display on loan from one of his constituents, American Legion Post 38 in Fort Myers. The Post has permanently loaned the Museum a special artifact — the Nordhausen Flag, created by newly liberated survivors and presented to the GI’s who saved them.
Veterans Day admission
We invite you to join us Sunday, Nov. 10 for complimentary Veterans Day admission. It will be a particularly special day of commemoration for us this year with the Nordhausen Flag on display. Reservations required. Please visit hmcec.org to RSVP.
The Luncheon
Plan to join us at Vineyards Country Club in Naples on Wednesday, Dec. 4 for our annual winter fundraising event. This year’s program will feature “To Life,” a multimedia program by speaker Dr. Jud Newborn. Tickets are $200 and sponsorship packages are available. RSVP required. See hmcec.org for information. For more news about what’s happening at the Museum this season, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter on our website. Wishing you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving, and we hope to see you soon at the Museum!
