Florida Holocaust Museum Unveils New Exhibits Ahead of Remembrance Day

The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg has expanded its exhibits and programmes ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year's observance on January 27 marks the anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation. The museum now features new displays, including a historic Danish fishing boat used to rescue Jewish refugees during World War II.

The museum's core mission remains Holocaust education. It provides teacher training, classroom materials, and Teaching Trunks—portable kits for schools. Florida law also mandates Holocaust instruction in Grades 5–12, with the museum advising on curriculum.

Recent upgrades include a restored railcar and interactive video interviews with survivors. The Elie Wiesel Collection, showcasing the Nobel laureate's personal archives and artefacts, remains a centrepiece. Meanwhile, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) supports survivors through grants, financial aid, and volunteer initiatives like weekly phone calls for isolated seniors.

Eric Stillman, the museum's President and CEO, joined Elke Cumming of Gulf Coast JFCS to highlight ongoing efforts. Their discussion covered survivor care, educational outreach, and the importance of preserving historical memory.

The museum's expanded exhibits and partnerships reinforce its role in Holocaust education. With new artefacts and survivor testimonies, it continues to serve schools and the public. Gulf Coast JFCS programmes further ensure survivors receive practical and emotional support.