At its February 3rd “To Life” Gala at the Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, the Florida Holocaust Museum announced a transformative addition to its collection. The museum will become the permanent home of writer and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel’s entire personal collection. This includes his Nobel Prize, unfinished manuscripts, the contents of his personal office and library, correspondence with world leaders, artwork, photographs and recordings.
“This treasure trove of artifacts is a game-changer for the Museum, St. Petersburg, and our entire region,” said Michael Igel, Board Chairman of the Florida Holocaust Museum. “Like the man himself, the Wiesel Collection will be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for action. Elie Wiesel was a master at explaining to all of us why the lessons of the Holocaust matter. Now, through innovative programming and exhibitions, the museum will use his voice to ensure that his legacy will always remain relevant.”
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The museum is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion. The Weisel Collection will be a major part of the museum experience, alongside other remarkable artifacts, including a newly acquired boat used to rescue Denmark’s Jewish population, and a cattle car used to transport Jews to concentration camps.
The museum is partnering with Special Collections at the Nelson Poynter Library at USF’s St. Petersburg Campus to house the collection’s documents.
St. Petersburg is a natural home for Weisel’s collection. The Holocaust survivor spent 30 years as a professor at Eckerd College and cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Florida Holocaust Museum’s downtown location.
Elisha Wiesel, son of Elie and Marion Wiesel and chairman of the Elie Wiesel Foundation said, “I’m excited the Florida Holocaust Museum will be home to my father’s entire archive, including a re-creation of his office, honoring his unwavering dedication to truth, humanity and remembrance. For almost 30 years, my father taught at Eckerd College, and he and my mother fell in love with St. Petersburg and the surrounding community, which is why I’m honored to be a part of solidifying the importance of this location to my father with the permanent exhibit of his collection.”
The collection will also have a traveling component, making elements available to a worldwide audience.
The Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest museums of its kind in the country. It is located at 55 5th Street South in St. Petersburg. It is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays). General admission is $20; Seniors $15; Students, veteran and those with disabilities $10. Admission is free for USF Students, educators, and law enforcement with ID. For more information visit www.theFHM.org
About The Florida Holocaust Museum
One of the largest Holocaust Museums in the country, and one of three nationally accredited Holocaust museums, The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of men, women, and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org
About The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, established The Elie Wiesel Foundation soon after he was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace. Now spearheaded by Marion and Elie’s son Elisha Wiesel, the Foundation seeks to spark ethical consciousness of human rights by investing in programs that promote moral leadership and real-world outcomes for victims of injustice, and by making Elie’s teachings accessible via a central online archive. To learn more, visit: https://eliewieselfoundation.org/
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