Programs and Services of the Holocaust Memorial Center

Field Trips to the Holocaust Center consisting of a museum tour and a film presentation are available free of charge. Programs are flexible according to the needs of each student group. Details about the field trip program are contained in this guide.

School Presentations: Guest speakers are available to come to your school for a presentation on the Holocaust. Many topics are available and may be customized according to need.

Holocaust Survivor Testimonies: Local survivors are available to share their personal experiences and reflections with students at school or at the Holocaust Center.

Teaching Trunks which contain class sets of books, audio-visual and reference materials, and curriculum guides are available for checkout. There are separate elementary, middle, and high school trunks. Class sets of popular books are also available. Trunks are in very high demand from February through May. Reservations should be made at least six weeks in advance to ensure availability.

Yom Hashoah Creative Arts Contest: The Holocaust Center sponsors an annual art and writing contest which is open to all Central Florida students. The theme is announced in the fall and the contest is scheduled so that the winners may be honored at the annual Yom Hashoah commemoration in April or May. There are separate judging categories for elememtary, middle and high school entries.

School Update Newsletter: The Center publishes a periodic newsletter specifically for teachers. This newsletter contains the most recent information of interest to teachers and students. If you are not receiving your copy at school, please contact Mitch Bloomer at 628-0555 x283.

Staff Development: Teacher training is available at the Holocaust Center throughout the year. Sessions may also be scheduled at school sites. Sessions of varying length and content may be arranged according to the needs and interests of the participants. A comprehensive Summer Institute is offered at the Holocaust Center each June.

Special Programs and Exhibits: The Holocaust Center hosts special art and history exhibits and film screenings throughout the year. There are also yearly commemoration programs for Kristallnacht and Yom Hashoah. These exhibits and programs are open to the public. Teachers and students are invited to attend.

The Library at the Holocaust Center contains over 5,000 volumes and over 500 videotapes and films. These items may be borrowed for personal or classroom use. Students may also use the library. Reference services are available by telephone.

Prejudice Reduction Education: Individually tailored education programs are available for people who have developed attitudes of prejudice or have become involved in bias crimes or hate group activities. These programs are confidential and may be voluntary or court mandated. For more information about this program, please contact Mitch Bloomer at 628-0555 x 283.