In Summary:
The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida has served Central Florida for more than four decades as a place for remembrance, education, and dialogue. Founded by Holocaust survivor Tess Wise, the Center reaches thousands each year through exhibits and educational programs that highlight personal stories and promote empathy. Support from Orange County’s Cultural Tourism Grant Program will help expand its reach and enhance future programming.
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For more than four decades, the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida has served as a place for remembrance, learning, and meaningful dialogue in Central Florida. As one of the first Holocaust centers in the southeastern United States, the organization helps residents and visitors better understand history while fostering empathy and respect across cultures.
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Founded by Holocaust survivor Tess Wise, the Center preserves the memory of those impacted by the Holocaust and shares lessons that remain relevant today. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and community conversations, the Center encourages visitors to reflect on the consequences of prejudice and the importance of standing up against injustice.
“At our core, we use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to help build a more just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry,” said Suzanne Grimmer, Senior Director of Museum Experiences. “We’re not just a museum, but a place for education, reflection, and meaningful conversations.”
The Center is among the local organizations receiving support through Orange County’s Cultural Tourism Grant Program, which invests Tourist Development Tax dollars in arts and cultural experiences that enhance residents' quality of life while attracting visitors to the region.
Each year, the Center serves tens of thousands of students, educators, families, and visitors through exhibits and programs designed to make history personal and accessible. Rather than focusing solely on statistics, the Center highlights individual stories that help visitors connect with the lived experiences of Holocaust survivors.
“We focus on personal stories so history feels immediate and relatable,” explained Grimmer. “When visitors slow down and connect with individual experiences, it helps them better understand why empathy matters.”
Educational programs reach students across Central Florida, encouraging thoughtful discussion about how individual choices shape communities. Through partnerships with schools, educators and civic organizations, the Center creates opportunities for meaningful engagement that extend beyond the museum walls.
“Young people are at the heart of what we do,” said Grimmer. “When students engage with survivor stories, it becomes personal. They begin to recognize their own role in shaping a more compassionate future.”
Funding from the County’s Cultural Tourism Grant will help the Center expand access to its programs and support new exhibitions and educational experiences for residents and visitors alike.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Orange County’s support,” said Grimmer. “This grant allows us to reach more people and create opportunities for deeper understanding and connection.”
By encouraging reflection, dialogue, and empathy, the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center continues to strengthen Central Florida’s cultural landscape while helping build a more thoughtful and inclusive community.
To learn more, go to Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida.
