Holocaust museum in St. Petersburg announces reopening date.
The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg is set to reopen its doors to the public on September 9, after undergoing significant renovations that began in July 2023. Located at 55 Fifth Street South in downtown St. Petersburg, the museum was founded in 1992 and has since established itself as one of the largest Holocaust museums in the United States. It also plays a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of Holocaust studies within Florida’s public school curriculum.
Upon reopening, visitors will experience a redesigned entrance and a larger gallery space that will feature the Danish fishing boat Thor. This 80-year-old vessel, recently transported from Denmark in December, holds historical significance as it was part of a remarkable rescue operation during World War II. In 1943, a flotilla comprising approximately 300 boats, ranging from kayaks to larger fishing vessels, joined forces to evacuate Jewish individuals to neutral Sweden, with limited time for planning.
The Thor boat will be prominently displayed alongside an existing exhibit that includes a railroad boxcar. This boxcar is one of the few remaining examples used by the Nazis for the transportation of Jews and other political prisoners during the Holocaust, serving as a poignant reminder of the past atrocities.
In addition to the enhanced gallery space, the renovation project includes the installation of improved security features and the addition of a second-story balcony, allowing for a more immersive visitor experience. Notably, the museum has been selected as the permanent home for the collection of Elie Wiesel, the renowned Holocaust survivor and Nobel Prize laureate. This collection encompasses his lifetime achievements, including his Nobel Prize and the complete contents of his personal office, which will be displayed in a temporary installation upon reopening.
Museum officials are working diligently to plan a series of reopening events, scheduled to take place later this summer, leading up to the September 9 grand reopening. The revitalized Florida Holocaust Museum aims not only to preserve the memory of the Holocaust but also to educate future generations about its impact on humanity.
As the museum prepares to welcome visitors back, it reinforces its commitment to fostering understanding and remembrance through education, all while providing a space for contemplation and reflection on the importance of tolerance in today’s society.
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