The Holocaust & Humanity Center (HHC) has broken ground in Cincinnati. It is set to stretch over nearly 12,000 square feet on the mezzanine and lower levels of Cincinnati’s Union Terminal.
Construction of the center officially started on July 5th . The Holocaust & Humanity Centre is currently located on the campus of Rockwern Academy in Cincinnati. Its new home will be alongside the Cincinnati Museum Center.
The new location is also key as the majority of Holocaust survivors who came to Greater Cincinnati arrived by train. Union Terminal marked their arrival in their new home.
The time for this relocation is now
The HHC aims to ensure that lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. It reaches over 100,000 people a year through its series of programmes and partnerships. The museum will describe the rise of Nazism, the dismantling of democracy, and the attacks against Jewish people. It will also highlight how Cincinnati became a haven for refugees. Furthermore, it will honour the Americans who helped bring the tyranny of Nazi Germany to an end. Above all, the HHC looks at how everyone can take action to make the world more just and humane.
“At a time of rising hatred, antisemitism and violent extremism around the world, the time for this relocation to Union Terminal is now,” said Sarah Weiss, executive director of the HHC. “One need only read a local newspaper or watch the news to know that acts of violence, fuelled by hatred and prejudice, are on the rise, both around the globe and here at home. Bringing the lessons of the Holocaust into the civic conversation is needed now more than ever. This unique partnership will be a first of its kind in the United States, putting Cincinnati on the map.”
The Holocaust & Humanity Centre (HHC)
Exhibition design companies, Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) and Berenbaum Jacobs Associates (BJA) are co-designers of the project. GBBN are the architects and construction is being managed by Turner Construction Company. “We are honoured to partner with Berenbaum Jacobs Associates in the relocation and renovation of this very important exhibition,” said Dan Schultz, COO of JRA. “Through the expanded footprint and more prominent location, thousands of additional visitors will be able to immerse themselves in these important stories, including the survivors’ tales of loss, hope and resilience.”
Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center, welcomed their new neighbours. “We are pleased to welcome the Holocaust and Humanity Center as neighbours within Union Terminal,” she said. “The work they do is so important. We know that in moving to Union Terminal they can help challenge an even larger audience to think more critically and stand up against injustice.”
The ground-breaking was attended by HHC leadership; primary donors Nancy and David Wolf and the HHC’s capital campaign committee. In addition, representatives from the Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) were present. Also present were project partners GBBN, Turner Construction, Berenbaum-Jacobs Associates, and Jack Rouse Associates. There were representatives from the Jewish Federation and also Holocaust survivors.
The HHC’s museum and educational centre will re-open in January 2019.
