Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is dedicated to honoring the memories of those who were lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and to encouraging individuals to take a stand against hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The museum works to achieve its mission through a combination of exhibits, events, and education programs that use the arts to equip visitors with the knowledge and skills to take action to protect human rights and prevent genocide. Each year the museum engages more than 200,000 individuals, half of which are students and educators. It also works with the Chicago Police Department to educate new recruits and officers on tolerance and to provide tools to avoid the abuse of authority. This award provides general operating support to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center as part of the Foundation’s Culture, Equity, and the Arts program.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is dedicated to honoring the memories of those who were lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and to encouraging individuals to take a stand against hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The museum fulfills its mission through exhibits, events, and education programs that equip visitors with the knowledge and skills to take action to protect human rights and prevent genocide. Each year the museum engages with 150,000 individuals, half of which are students or educators. It also works with the Chicago Police Department to educate new recruits and officers on tolerance and to provide tools to avoid the abuse of authority. This award recommends renewed general operating support to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is dedicated to honoring the memories of those who were lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and to encouraging individuals to take a stand against hatred, prejudice and indifference. The Museum houses permanent and temporary exhibitions. The central permanent exhibit traces the history of the Holocaust, emphasizing the lives of individuals before, during and after the War. A special exhibit for younger children encourages them to stand up to bias, hatred, and bullying. Holocaust survivors remain active volunteers and often speak to the school groups that visit. The Museum hosted 90,000 visitors last year, including 44,000 students, half from Chicago.