By Steve Traiman
The Florida Holocaust Museum has named Carl Goodman as its new president and CEO to carry out the mission of FHM, honoring the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. Formerly director at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in New York the past 14 years (and with MoMI for 34 years), Goodman was introduced at the Museum’s annual “To Life” Gala Feb. 3. He pledged to continue the work begun in 1992 by St. Pete businessman/philanthropist Walter Loebenberg who escaped Nazi Germany in 1939.
The mission is more important today than ever, as hate crimes are on the rise in the U.S. and globally. As Goodman summarized, “All of the suffering and loss is meaningless if we do not understand what took place and act to ensure that it will never happen again. We must challenge and educate those who promote hatred and intolerance. The vision of The Florida Holocaust Museum is a future in which peace and harmony are a reality in our neighborhoods, in our nation and in our world.”
Loebenberg’s vision to teach the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides began with a modest 4,000 sq. ft. building in Madeira Beach. After drawing more than 125,000 visitors the first four years, the Board raised funds for its current 27,000 sq. ft. headquarters in downtown St. Pete, where most events are held.
Goodman steps into the director seat March 13, assisted by the current Interim Executive Director Erin Blankenship (who returns to her previous role as deputy director). With a dedicated and talented staff in place, look to FHM for provocative exhibitions and programs in 2023 and beyond.
Understand The Holocaust One of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, you can better understand this egregious historical period through the museum’s notable artifacts, audio-visual library, photographic archive, artworks and more. Through recorded histories, survivors’ stories and holograms, visitors can connect with individuals who suffered or died in the Holocaust. From the museum’s inaugural exhibit in 1992 “Anne Frank in the World” to its current exhibits and speakers’ bureau, FHM leads the way in dealing with hate and antisemitism.
March 1 – 6:30-7:30pm
Author Roslyn Franken will talk about her parents’ amazing story. In MEANT TO BE, the GOLD award-winning book, she reveals the unforgettable true story of her parents, John and Sonja Franken, who with their courage and triumph became two unlikely survivors of WW II.
March 15 – 6:30-7:30pm
TESTIMONY THROUGH ART Panel Discussion and Exhibition Reception for “Memories of My Life in a Polish Village” by Toby Knobel. This multigenerational discussion will feature Professor Rakhmiel Peltz and Lillian and Steven Flueck Finkler and their children as they explore Toby Knobel’s legacy as a Holocaust survivor and artist.
Listen to the Museum’s audio tour, watch interviews with Holocaust survivors, interact with artifacts, and much more! Before you go, see the Visitor’s Guide and download the app from www.thefhm.org/visit/guide to your smartphone (App Store or Google Play). Located at 55 Fifth Street S., St. Petersburg. Open Tues.-Sun.10am-5pm. Limited parking in the lot behind Museum; access the lot from First Ave. S or from the alley off Fifth St. S.
Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman; he offers freelance business writing services. Contact him at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.