HMMSA: A History of Education
The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and apathy, and promotes good citizenship, democratic values, and respect for human dignity.
HMMSA Gallery 1 (1999) by Holocaust Memorial Museum of San AntonioHolocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Museum History
The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio opened its doors to the public at its current location in May, 2000, but Holocaust education has been an ongoing priority of the San Antonio Jewish community for more than forty years.
Foundations of Holocaust Education
In 1975, a program was developed called the Holocaust History Project, which included campus presentations and classroom visits with a Holocaust Survivor. The program was developed in response to requests from local schools for assistance with Holocaust education.
The Program Expands
Recognizing the important social and civic lessons to be learned, teachers seized the opportunity to expose their students to Holocaust history in order to expand their knowledge, increase their sensitivity to others, and develop critical thinking skills.
Len King (2021) by HMMSAHolocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Today
The museum annually impacts over 20,000 students and community members across South Texas. Visitors the museum can explore our three galleries or schedule a docent-led group tour or hear from a Holocaust survivor to learn about the history of the Holocaust and its impact today.
Museum Gallery Panorama (1999) by Holocaust Memorial Museum of San AntonioHolocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Main Gallery
Our permanent exhibit includes photographs, films, artifacts, and maps that bring to life the 12 years of Nazi rule and traces the incremental steps that led to murder in the killing fields and death camps. An extension of the main gallery includes a rotating temporary exhibit.
San Antonio Survivors (1999) by Holocaust Memorial Museum of San AntonioHolocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Survivor Wall
Our Survivor Wall is dedicated to the seventy-five Holocaust Survivors that settled in San Antonio and also honors local American soldiers that assisted in liberating the concentration camps. The exhibit is divided into three sections; Escape, Survival, and Liberation.
American Response View 1 (2015/2015) by Institute of Texan CulturesHolocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
In America: Response to the Holocaust 1933-1945
This exhibit traces the American response to the Nazi assault on Jews between 1933-1945. While the United States played a dominant role in the ultimate defeat of Germany, questions remain about the government’s reluctance to offer a haven to Jewish refugees escaping Hitler.
HMMSA Memorial Balcony (1999) by Holocaust Memorial Museum of San AntonioHolocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Holocaust Memorial Terrace
The Holocaust Memorial Terrace honors the eleven million victims of the Holocaust. The space features sculptures dedicated to their memory and offers a place of quiet contemplation. The granite memorial honors the 1.5 million children and family of local survivors that perished.
Leslie Davis Met, Holocaust Memorial Museum Director
Dr. Jessica Hanshaw, Holocaust Memorial Museum Education & Curations Manager
Jewish Federation of San Antonio
Photo & Content Credits:
Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio Archive Collection
