At the Museum

Susan Suarez President & CEO

With fall here, school groups are returning to the Museum on field trips. Each group gives us the opportunity to fulfill and recognize the importance of our mission — to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and to inspire action against bigotry and hatred. While most of these students have probably heard of Anne Frank prior to coming, few have indepth knowledge of Holocaust history and other genocides. Fewer still have met someone personally impacted by the Holocaust.

A visit here not only provides them with accurate historical facts, but they see the human suffering caused by the unopposed hatred and survivors’ hope for a better world in the personal stories we share of local survivors and liberators. As these young peoples’ awareness of national and world events grows, we hope their visit helps them realize their own power to make a difference by standing up for themselves and others.

Movies That Matter series

We just completed the first of two fall Movies That Matter expert panel Zoom programs. The documentary discussed was “Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention.” Many thanks to all who joined us to discuss this topic which affects people of all ages, economic backgrounds and nationalities.

Special thanks to our panelists for shedding light on the advances being made to prevent future suicides nationwide and here in Southwest Florida — Dr. Robert Landy, a local psychologist who specializes in caring for veterans with mental health concerns and Lonzo Morgan, a winner of the 2024 Stand Up For Justice Educators award for his work as a school counselor focusing on suicide prevention at Immokalee Middle School. Bullying is often the root cause of suicide among teens. This film shows one of the terrible consequences as victims feel the pain of bullying and discrimination.

We hope you’ll join us for the next Movies That Matter program on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. (EST U.S. and Canada) via Zoom. We will discuss the film “Pay or Die,” which highlights the financial dilemma and hard choices faced by

Movies That Matter was founded in 2018 to facilitate discussion around human rights topics through film. The lessons of the Holocaust teach us to have mutual respect for all people. The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights was created in 1948 in response to the horrors of the Holocaust. These film discussions hope to inspire participants to be upstanders for those facing human rights challenges and abuses.

Current exhibition

“Witness to the Memory of Oradour –The Photography of Martin Graf,” on display in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through December 2024, features haunting black and white photographs of the World War II ruins of Oradour, a small town in Central France. The exhibit honors the memory of the victims of the Nazi reprisal action in June 1944 in which 642 men, women and children were murdered and their town destroyed. Photographer Martin Graf met Robert Hébras, one of the six survivors of the reprisal. The two men later joined forces to teach students about the history of Oradour and its long-lasting impact on the memory of people in the region. More information about a program with Graf this fall will be available shortly.

Boxcar matching challenge grant continues

The Boxcar Exhibit is an important part of the Museum's Holocaust education programming. Seen by over a quarter of a million people since it began its travels in 2008, the Holocaust-era boxcar has visited schools, universities, libraries and other locations across Southwest Florida. The exhibit is on loan to the Museum from Jack and F.E. Nortman and The Boxcar Foundation. As part of the program, schools hosting the exhibit receive descriptive materials about the boxcar's history, a teacher's guide and more. Additional education options include a presentation by a Holocaust survivor or family member, or the performance of a short play specifically created for in-school presentations about a survivor’s experience.

We invite you to help continue the Boxcar Exhibit's lasting impact in Southwest Florida and beyond by making a donation during this matching challenge grant.

Win a sunset cruise

Would you like to host a fun sunset cruise and support our education programs at the same time? Courtesy of Sand Dollar Boat Tours, we are raffling off a private, captained, two-hour sunset tour for up to 25 people. The winner can select the tour date, food and beverages to be served. Raffle tickets are $50 each and are limited to five per person. Only 300 tickets are available, and sales will end on Oct. 31. The winner will be selected by a random drawing at the Museum on Nov. 4 at noon, EST. More information is available on our website at hmcec.org.

Upcoming events and programs

Monday, Oct. 7

We Remember Jewish Community Memorial 7-8:30 p.m.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Please register at www.jewishnaples.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Movies That Matter “Pay or Die” Zoom expert panel discussion 2 p.m. (EST U.S. and Canada) RSVP required for film viewing, Zoom links and “watch party” information – http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ moviesthatmatter2024.

Sunday, Nov. 17

Kristallnacht Annual Community Remembrance 2:30 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Church in North Naples

Wednesday, Dec. 4

The Luncheon Winter Fundraiser 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Vineyards Country Club

Special multimedia program by Dr. Jed Newborn

Information on tickets and sponsorships at hmcec.org and donor@hmcec.org. We hope to see you soon at the Museum!

Have a student in Southwest Florida Schools?

Are you a parent (or grandparent) of a student in K-12 school in Southwest Florida? If so, 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 the flyer to give to your student’s school.