Page 10 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

A Message from the
New President and CEO, and Recent Museum Highlights

by Erin Blankenship, President and CEO,
Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center
he Holocaust Museum and Cohen the event and the Triumph of Resilience Matching Challenge helped
Education Center is inspiring individuals to raise $300,000 in support of the Museum’s Holocaust Education
T make positive changes in their communities programs.
all over Southwest Florida. Through our impactful Our current special exhibition is Convincing the Masses: Propaganda
exhibitions and innovative programming, we connect At Home and Abroad. It was developed in-house, using artifacts from the
students and adults with history to teach the dangers Museum’s own permanent collection as well as unique materials loaned
of unchecked hate. We are excited to share news from by community members. The variety of Nazi and Allied propaganda
the Museum and highlight our current offerings. materials shown were used during World War II to help to build and
Please join me in wishing former Museum President and CEO secure loyalty among citizens and potential allies to that side’s cause.
Susan Suarez a very happy retirement! Susan led the Museum for These ranged from common household goods to special commemorative
nearly eight years. She is owed enormous thanks for her tremendous items, such as publications about the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The
accomplishments in developing the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. exhibition reminds us how important it is to “consider the source”
and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center into the leading cultural and regarding news and information. Convincing the Masses is on display
educational institution it is today. through mid-August 2025 in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery.
I am incredibly honored to join the Museum as its new President The F.E. and Jack Nortman Remembrance Hall has a new display
and CEO. Most recently I served as Deputy Director of The Florida of “UpStander Profiles” panels. “UpStanders” are
Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. During my tenure of more than people who choose to take action and help those
23 years, I grew the permanent collection of art and artifacts by more facing persecution and hatred. Our Profiles highlight
than 2000%, developed and stewarded national and international international, national, and local SWFL UpStanders
partnerships, and created innovative programming in support of who truly made a difference to those in need. We
Holocaust education. I am thrilled to join this community and have invite Museum guests and visiting students to honor
admired the Naples Museum from afar as it has grown over the years. UpStanders they know by sharing their names on a note
The highlight of my life has been working with Holocaust Survivors, and posting it on a special display panel.
Liberators, and their families to preserve and share their stories of hope As this season comes to a close, I encourage you to squeeze in a visit
and resilience with others, and I look forward to continuing that work or a Docent-led tour of the Museum. We have a variety of tours year-
here in Naples. round to help you explore the Museum. Complimentary self-guided
The Museum’s annual Triumph of Resilience benefit event honored tours via Museum tablets or downloadable apps are always available at
Holocaust Survivor and Naples resident Sam Harris. no extra charge with general admission. We offer Docent led tours by
Sam is the Co-Founder and President Emeritus of the reservation at 12:15p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays – visit
Illinois Holocaust Museum. The evening’s program the calendar on our website to RSVP for the date of your choice. Private
included a screening of the short film about Sam’s life, group tours are a great activity for family, friends, and organizations.
An Undeniable Voice, produced by actress and activist These are held when the Museum is closed to the public and a variety of
Sharon Stone, and directed by Price Arana. Sam’s program options are available.
granddaughter Jessica Kramer also spoke about Sam’s Please contact Julie@hmcec.org for more information. School field trips
impact on her life. All of us at the Holocaust Museum are grateful to are also held when the Museum is closed to the public. The field trips include a
all our sponsors and guests, and to The Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen tour of the Museum and age-appropriate education activities. Please contact
Foundation and The Ray Foundation. The Foundations’ sponsorship of Katie Butte at Katie@hmcec.org for more information.
I look forward to meeting you and hope to see you soon at the Museum.
10 www.LifeInNaples.net