THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OF THE CAROLINAS

A bold vision for remembrance and education

There are moments in history when memory hangs in the balance, when what is remembered, and how it is remembered, will shape the moral direction of future generations. We are living in such a moment.

Holocaust survivors, once living witnesses who could look students in the eye and say, “This happened to me,” are rapidly leaving us. Within the next decade, their voices will no longer be physically present in our classrooms or communities. At the same time, antisemitism is rising at alarming rates across the United States, fueled by misinformation, distortion, and, increasingly, denial. Young people are navigating a digital landscape where conspiracy and falsehood often travel faster than truth.

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In classrooms across the Carolinas, educators are asking urgent questions: How do we teach this history when the witnesses are gone? How do we equip students not just to learn about the past, but to recognize and confront hate in the present?

The Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas emerges from this convergence of urgency and opportunity. It is not simply a response to loss, it is a proactive commitment to ensuring that memory becomes action.

The need for this initiative has been identified through years of programmatic growth, educator feedback, student outcomes, and sustained community demand.  Our success in bringing the international Seeing Auschwitz exhibit to Charlotte in 2024 not only provided a powerful learning experience for our community but also highlighted the profound impact of immersive, experiential learning. Hosting this exhibit served as the ultimate catalyst in our decision to move forward with establishing a permanent Holocaust exhibit for the Charlotte region.

Museum FAQs

What phase is the project currently in?

  • The Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas is currently in the planning and development phase. The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center has established the vision, mission, and educational framework for the museum and is beginning to work with partners, advisors, and community stakeholders to shape the project’s scope and impact.

What is the  timeline?

  • At this stage, we do not yet have a finite timeline for construction or opening. As with any major cultural and educational institution, the timeline depends on several key factors, including architectural analysis of our proposed site, exhibit design planning, and securing necessary funding. Our priority is to move this project forward thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring the museum is built to the highest standards and has a lasting impact.

Where will the museum be located?

  • We are currently exploring a location in uptown Charlotte, and we will share more details when available.

How much will the project cost? How is the project being funded?

  • A comprehensive fundraising strategy and campaign are currently being developed to support the museum’s construction, exhibits, and long-term sustainability. A final project cost has not yet been determined, as we are still in the planning stages and refining the museum's scope. As with similar initiatives, we anticipate that funding will come from individuals, foundations, and philanthropic partners who share our commitment to Holocaust education and to combating hatred.

From which sources will you acquire your artifacts?

  • We anticipate that The Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas will be a collecting museum, drawing from local, national, and international sources. The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center is developing partnerships with institutions, archives, and collectors in Europe and Israel to access historically significant artifacts, documents, and testimonies. These collaborations will help ensure the museum presents a historically accurate, globally informed, and deeply personal account of the Holocaust.

How can I get involved?

  • We’re excited by the strong community interest in the Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas, and there will be many opportunities to get involved as the project progresses. At this stage, the best way to stay engaged is to sign up for our newsletter and follow The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center on social media. We’ll be sharing updates, milestones, and invitations to upcoming community listening sessions, where you can help shape the vision and impact of the museum. For now, staying informed and helping us raise awareness are among the most meaningful ways to support this important effort.

    To learn more about making a gift in support of The Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas, please contact Terri Eberle Katz, Director of Development, at terri.eberle@stangreensponcenter.org.