MuseumApril 15, 2009
UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM APPLAUDS OPENING OF ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER IN SKOKIE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum applauds the opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, a wonderful tribute to the long-standing efforts of the Chicago survivor community and an important contribution to the Chicago region.
“The opening of this important institution further demonstrates the Chicago community’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are transmitted to future generations,” says United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield, who will be attending the Skokie Museum’s opening ceremony. “For more than twenty years, Chicago has led the nation in supporting the national Museum. Chicagoans understood early on the international significance of a museum on the National Mall and the valuable role that Holocaust education can play in strengthening American democracy.”
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and its Midwest Regional Office in Chicago have provided guidance and support to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center since the new museum’s inception. Curators, archivists and other staff members have provided professional guidance, and the Museum has loaned artifacts, historic photographs and film footage for use in exhibitions in Skokie.
“The cause of Holocaust education and remembrance is an enormous one and a challenging one,” continues Bloomfield. “In a world beset by rising Holocaust denial, antisemitism, hate and mass atrocities, many efforts are required to advance our cause. We look forward to continue working with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center on our vital endeavor.”
As a resource for local Holocaust centers nationwide, the national Memorial Museum works with communities like Chicago that develop Holocaust educational resources. It provides services to the overwhelming majority of American cities and towns that do not have the capacity to develop local institutions. In addition, its Web site, the leading online authority on the Holocaust, provides information and resources in a dozen languages to individuals worldwide.
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to promote human dignity, confront hatred and prevent genocide. While federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanent place on the National Mall, its far-reaching educational outreach and global impact are made possible by the generosity of donors nationwide. More information is available at www.ushmm.org.
