Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education to extend reach with move to Union Terminal in 2018

The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education is accustomed to moving, but this time, it may have found its permanent home.
 
Once Union Terminal finishes its renovation in 2018, the CHHE, which already serves about 100,000 individuals on a yearly basis, will transition from Rockwern Academy to its new 12,000 square-foot-home on the Cincinnati Museum Center’s mezzanine and lower levels.
 
The move will be a positive one, according to CHHE’s Executive Director Sarah Weiss, because Union Terminal is such a prominent Cincinnati landmark.
 
“This unique partnership will be the first of its kind in the United States, putting Cincinnati on the map for bringing the lessons of the Holocaust into the civic conversation,” Weiss says. “And it is a testament to the survivors that CHHE embarks on this historic relocation and expansion.”
 
Even before the CHHE came into being as a physical space, its lessons were focused on the experiences of local Holocaust survivors who found ways to recognize their stories, honor their experiences and teach others.
 
The CHHE — which has transitioned as time has passed, incorporating survivors’ children and their voices into the conversation as well — will retain its mission of remembering victims of the Holocaust while also advocating for a stop to the social injustices that still occur to this day.
 
"The work of the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education is very important," says George Vincent, Union Terminal Corporation board member. "We're excited to welcome them to Union Terminal and hope that in doing so, it can reach an even larger number, both locally and beyond, providing education on the lessons of the Holocaust and challenging us to stand up against injustice."
 
One way the CHHE does stands up to injustice is through its permanent exhibit, “Mapping Our Tears,” which highlights the voices of survivors, refugees, rescuers and liberators, prompting viewers to think about our shared humanity. The nonprofit also works with educators and students, while formulating partnerships with other organizations to deliver messages of inclusion.  
 
For both organizations, the collaboration will allow for the delivery of a more compelling overall message.
 
"We look forward to working collaboratively to share the strength of our history collections and exhibit design resources to strengthen each other's mission and to enrich the community in the process," says Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Do Good: 

•    Visit the "Mapping Our Tears" virtual tour, and consider checking out the CHHE before its move. 

•    See what's happening at the Cincinnati Museum Center today, and plan a visit. 

•    Connect with the CHHE on Facebook.