25 Years Later: The Holocaust History Project
Back in 1975, the idea of a dedicated Holocaust Museum in San Antonio was no more than that, an idea. North East ISD school teachers, who wanted to share the history of the Holocaust with their students, turned to the Community Relations Council (CRC) of the Jewish Federation for help. In response, the CRC, led by Maxine Cohen and Phyllis Braverman, both of blessed memory, created a short curriculum for high school history classrooms, which covered the Holocaust in a more personal way, at a time when textbooks virtually ignored it. The program, called the Holocaust History Project, consisted of a documentary film, a discussion period with a trained facilitator, a classroom visit with a Holocaust survivor, and a teacher’s manual – all free of charge to the teacher who requested it.
The response was overwhelming.
Teachers seized the opportunity, helping to expose the next generation to Holocaust history in order to expand their knowledge, increase their sensitivity to others, and help them develop critical thinking skills. And thus began the journey to what is now known as the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio.
As we celebrate 25 years, we’re looking back at some of the key moments in our history, celebrating our impact through the years, and showcasing some of the trailblazers who’ve made the museum what it is today.
Have a story to share about how the Holocaust Memorial Museum impacted you? Send us a note. We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to HMMSAInfo@jfsatx.org to get started.
About the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy, and promotes good citizenship, democratic values, and respect for human dignity. The Museum is free and open to the public.