Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center facts for kids
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View of the Museum and Education Center
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| Established | 1981 (Original Site) 2009 (Current Site) |
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| Location | 9603 Woods Drive Skokie, Illinois |
| Type | Holocaust memorials |
| Visitors | over 300,000 |
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| Public transit access |  PaceCTA |
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is a special museum located in Skokie, Illinois, close to Chicago. Its main goal is to "Remember the Past; Transform the Future." This means the museum works to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. It honors the people who suffered and died during that time. The museum also teaches everyone about fighting hatred, prejudice, and not caring about others. It does this through its exhibits and programs that promote human rights and stop terrible events like genocide.
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How the Museum Started
The museum began in 1981. It was first called the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois. It started in a small storefront building on Main Street in Skokie, Illinois. The foundation and small museum were created because a Neo-Nazi group tried to march through Skokie. Many Holocaust survivors had moved to Skokie after the terrible events of the Holocaust. The community wanted to stand up against hatred.
On April 19, 2009, the museum opened its doors in a brand new building. Many important people attended the opening. Former President Bill Clinton gave a speech, and Elie Wiesel, a famous Holocaust survivor, was there. President Barack Obama and Shimon Peres, who was president of Israel, also sent video messages.
After an event at another museum in 2009, security at the Illinois Holocaust Museum was made stronger. Today, volunteers from groups like Action Reconciliation Service for Peace and the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service help out at the museum. They have been helping since 2009.
The Take a Stand Center
In 2017, the museum opened a new area called the Take a Stand Center. This center has four interactive galleries. Inside, you can see amazing Holograms of Holocaust survivors. These holograms let you ask questions and hear their stories as if they were really there.
Next to the hologram theater, there is an exhibit about people and groups who have worked for human rights. It talks about important documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also features inspiring people like Ruby Bridges and Malala Yousafzai.
The Museum's Design
The museum's building was designed by Stanley Tigerman. The inside of the museum and its exhibits were co-designed by Yitzchak Mais. He used to be a director at Yad Vashem, a Holocaust memorial in Israel.
On the first floor, you will find the main Holocaust exhibition. There is also an auditorium, the main entrance, information desks, a coatroom, a gift shop, and a library.
The upper floor has areas for remembrance and an art gallery. Part of the auditorium is also on this floor, along with offices. In the basement, there are classrooms, a special exhibit for children, and a conference area.
The outside of the building is very unique. It has two colors: one half is black, where the entrance doors are. The other half is white, where the exit doors are. This design makes you think about the journey through the museum.
Finding the Museum
The museum is located in the northwest part of Skokie. It is west of the Edens Expressway (I-94). The closest exit from the expressway is Old Orchard Road.
There is also an old railroad track near the museum. People are thinking about extending the CTA Yellow Line train to this area. This would create a new train station close to the museum.
You can already reach the museum using several bus lines. These include CTA lines 205 and 54A, and Pace lines 208 and 422.
See also
- Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership: A Jewish learning and cultural center in Chicago.
In Spanish: Centro de Educación y Museo del Holocausto de Illinois para niños
