El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center | El Paso

The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center in El Paso, Texas, is a significant cultural institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating the public about its history and the lessons it imparts. Founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen, the museum has become a vital resource for understanding the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of combating intolerance and prejudice.

Mission and Purpose

The museum’s mission is to teach the history of the Holocaust in a way that fosters understanding and respect for human rights. It strives to fight against discrimination and intolerance by educating visitors about the Holocaust and encouraging reflection on its ongoing relevance in contemporary society. Through a variety of exhibits, educational programs, and cultural activities, the museum provides a space for remembrance, learning, and dialogue.

Exhibits and Collections

The museum features a comprehensive permanent exhibit that covers the Holocaust from multiple perspectives. The exhibit includes multimedia galleries that focus on several key aspects of the Holocaust:

Life in Europe Before the Nazi Party: This section provides historical context, describing the Jewish communities in Europe before the rise of the Nazis.

The Rise of the Nazi Party: The exhibit explores the political and social factors that allowed the Nazi regime to come to power.

Kristallnacht: It examines the November 1938 pogrom, known as Kristallnacht, during which Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were destroyed.

Life in the Ghettos: The exhibit describes the harsh conditions Jews lived under in the ghettos created by the Nazis.

Transportation to Concentration Camps: The exhibit discusses the inhumane methods used to transport Jews and other targeted groups to concentration camps.

Life and Death in Nazi Concentration Camps: This section details the brutal realities of the camps and the lives of those who endured them.

Liberation: The exhibit includes the stories of those who were liberated by the Allied forces and the aftermath of their liberation.

The Righteous Among the Nations: A tribute to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Reflections and Memorial: A space for contemplation, honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and encouraging visitors to reflect on the lessons learned.

Additionally, there is a gallery dedicated to the El Paso Holocaust survivors, sharing their personal stories of survival, loss, and resilience.

Bilingual Accessibility

The El Paso Holocaust Museum is unique in that all of its materials, exhibits, and educational resources are available in both English and Spanish. This makes it the only fully bilingual Holocaust museum in the United States, ensuring that visitors from various backgrounds can engage with its content and learn from its lessons.

Library & Study Center

The museum houses the Robert & Sara Shiloff Library & Study Center, which is an invaluable resource for those seeking more in-depth research on the Holocaust. The library contains thousands of books, photographs, and documents related to the Holocaust and its historical context, available for public use. It also offers educational materials for teachers, students, and researchers interested in studying this period in history.

Educational Programs

The museum offers a variety of educational initiatives aimed at schools, organizations, and the general public:

Guided Tours: Groups can arrange for guided tours led by trained docents. These tours offer in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust and its relevance to modern issues. The tours typically last around 1.5 hours.

Curriculum Trunks: The museum provides curriculum trunks to schools, filled with books, teaching resources, and other materials that help educators teach students about the Holocaust.

Speakers Bureau: The museum also offers a speakers bureau, where volunteers, including Holocaust survivors, share their personal experiences with schools or organizations that cannot visit the museum in person.

Special Events and Programs

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of special events and educational programs throughout the year, including film screenings, lectures, and commemorative events such as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Visiting Information

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Note: Self-guided tours must begin 30 minutes before closing time.

Admission: The museum does not charge an admission fee, but donations are encouraged to support its ongoing work in education and preservation.

Location:

Address: 715 N. Oregon St., El Paso, TX 79902

The museum is located in downtown El Paso, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Parking: Free parking is available next to the museum at the corner of Yandell Dr. and El Paso St..

Legacy and Impact

The El Paso Holocaust Museum plays an important role in promoting tolerance, understanding, and remembrance of one of the darkest chapters in human history. It continues to serve as a powerful tool for educating future generations about the Holocaust and the consequences of prejudice, racism, and hate. By preserving the memory of Holocaust survivors and their stories, the museum helps ensure that the lessons of this tragic history are never forgotten.

Through its bilingual offerings, educational programs, and emphasis on community involvement, the El Paso Holocaust Museum is not just a place of reflection, but also a hub for positive change and global understanding.