Breaking Ground on a Beacon of Remembrance: The Holocaust Museum Boston
A momentous occasion is set to unfold on Thursday, May 29, as The Holocaust Museum Boston holds its official groundbreaking ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This event marks the commencement of construction for a truly transformative institution – the first of its kind in New England solely dedicated to Holocaust education.
Nestled in the heart of Boston, overlooking historic landmarks such as the Massachusetts State House and The Freedom Trail, the future site of the Holocaust Museum Boston at 125 Tremont Street symbolizes a profound intersection of historical reflection and the ongoing pursuit of justice, equality, and democracy. This groundbreaking represents a significant milestone in the critical effort to preserve the memory of the Holocaust while directly confronting the pervasive challenges of antisemitism, hate, and bigotry that continue to plague our world.
Upon its anticipated opening in late 2026, The Holocaust Museum Boston will serve as an indispensable resource for visitors, locals, students, and educators. Through immersive exhibits and cutting-edge technology, the museum aims to foster a deep engagement with the enduring lessons of the Holocaust, highlighting the fragility of democracy and the urgent need to understand the connections between history and today's pressing societal issues.
Key features planned for the museum include "Dimensions in Testimony™," an interactive holographic experience allowing visitors to engage with video interviews of Holocaust survivors, offering a deeply personal connection to their stories. A powerful and authentic Nazi-era historic railcar will be prominently displayed, serving as a stark reminder of the Holocaust's horrors and fostering profound empathy and reflection. Additionally, personal artifacts, such as Sasha, a 1940s teddy bear that saved the life of a Boston Holocaust survivor, will add a poignant human dimension to tales of survival and resilience.
The groundbreaking ceremony itself promises to be a moving and significant event, featuring remarks from an impressive roster of dignitaries and community leaders. Among those expected to attend are President Senate Karen Spilka, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, Chairman Michael J. Rodrigues, Councilor Ed Flynn, Representative Simon Cataldo, Senator John C. Velis, and Consul General Sonja Kreibich of Germany.
A particularly resonant moment will be the address by Joseph Fasullo, 17, the grandson of Holocaust survivor Steve Ross, who founded the New England Holocaust Memorial. His remarks will underscore the vital intergenerational transfer of memory and the ongoing legacy of survivors. Jody Kipnis and Todd Ruderman, Co-founders of the Holocaust Legacy Foundation (the organization building the museum) and Holocaust Museum Boston, will also offer opening remarks and insights into this crucial endeavor.
The Holocaust Museum Boston, operated by the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, is not just building a museum; it is building a cornerstone for education and civic engagement. By honoring the memory of victims and survivors, and by confronting contemporary threats, this institution will inspire future generations to participate actively in the ongoing fight for human dignity and justice.
For those in Boston, this historic occasion offers a chance to witness the beginning of a vital new chapter in New England's cultural and educational landscape. For those unable to attend, the message remains clear: the lessons of the Holocaust are more relevant than ever, and institutions like the Holocaust Museum Boston are essential in ensuring they are never forgotten.
