From the Director So many exciting things are happening at your Holocaust Memorial Center. On Yom HaShoah, the largest audi- ence in HMC Stephen M. Goldman history, 800 people, gathered to commemorate the Day of Remembrance. The audito- rium and classrooms overflowed with a standing-room-only audience. As we remembered and celebrated the lives of our Shaarit Haplaytah and all survi- vors, and honored those who perished, candles were lit, Ani Maramin chanted and a special Kaddish read responsively. Immediately thereafter, 450 people gathered in the museum for the dedi- cation of the Portraits of Honor exhibit, dedicated by Leo Eisenberg and Shari Ferber Kaufman to their parents. This new exhibit brings the latest technol- ogy and opportunities for distance learning to the Holocaust Memorial Center. Web-based and accessible from any computer or smart phone, this is the future of museums — and we are at the forefront! Others visited Barsamian's ex- hibit, 20 Years-Searching for the Answer, which opened recently to great response from the Armenian and Chaldean communities. Many were in attendance at the daily public tour and the Host Docent programs, which are teaching young and old about Jewish history, the Holocaust, and doing the right thing. On May 15, our annual sympo- sium, co-sponsored by the Michigan Council for the Social Studies, focused on bullying, an important and current topic. The symposium was moved to Sunday to accommodate a larger audi- ence, and was comprised of the highest caliber of academic excellence. It was President's Message When we hosted the annual community Yom HaShoah corn- memoration, the array of faces in attendance — from Survivors to sec- Gary Karp ond and third gen- eration and individuals throughout the wider community — was particularly compelling evidence of the Holocaust Memorial Center's renewed spirit and vital messages of hope and tolerance. Our docents, volunteers and staff have also been very busy assisting the growing number of schools that are visiting the HMC. Activity is robust! Attendance by a broad and diverse range of student and community groups is critical to our continued suc- cess and relevance. As we embark on our campaign of new exhibits, both permanent and temporary, our focus and purpose remains resolute. YOU are the key to our success in teaching and promot- ing tolerance, building bridges to the community at large and securing our future. There are exciting opportunities taking shape for the upcoming year. Our annual dinner takes place on September 18, 2011 and we're looking forward to a fabulous evening. From membership initiatives to volunteer activities to Board initiatives, there are many ways to become involved. We are constantly being inspired by the individuals who walk through the corridors of the HMC and leave with sense of purpose to participate in this institution. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder said in January of 2005 "... from the Shoah and Nazi terror, a certainty has arisen that can best be expressed by the words "Never Again." It is our mission to preserve that certainty." In December of 2010, a Holocaust survivor and speaker said, "If I saved one person today, it's worth my effort." We share that philosophy. New Website Coming Soon! attended by teachers, parents, students, and the general public. We have scheduled special exhibits through 2012, in addition to lectures, films and programs for the coming year. Our reputation is bringing us programs, exhibits, and opportuni- ties from international sources which, in turn, bring us attention from our region and across the United States. The Holocaust Memorial Center will host the June 2012 Association of Holocaust Organizations' annual con- ference (the 2014 conference will take place in China) and, in cooperation with the Charach Gallery and Shalom Street, the 2012 annual conference of the Council of American Jewish Museums. As you can tell, I am very excited to be part of this growth and the new spirit that is evident within the walls of your Holocaust Memorial Center. What you may not see or feel is the challenge in front of museums, synagogues, and the non-profit world throughout the nation. If the pro- gramming is to continue, if we want to reach the young people of metro Detroit, if what we desire is to make the Holocaust Memorial Center a ma- jor cultural institution, we need each of you to make it happen. Please make a commitment to the HMC: become a member, plan to leave a legacy for future generations, and visit often. The Center is ever new, ever fresh, and waits for YOU. Oh, I forget to mention...watch for the arrival of our Holocaust-era boxcar and the environment we have planned for it. This new major acquisition will be just the beginning of our exterior expansion. You can be part of this, too; as Theodore Herzl said, "If you will it, it is no dream." Ask a Host Docent! As the school year draws to a close and summer approaches, scheduled tours are less frequent, and visitors often tour the museum without the benefit of a guide. As a result, the Docent Steering Committee has insti- tuted a "Host Docent" program, which aims to enhance the experience of the self-guided visitor. Host Docents are happy to answer questions, in- terpret exhibits, and suggest resources and visitors are encouraged to reach out to the Host Docent during their visit to the museum. Host Docents are scheduled daily and can be easily identified by the big blue and white "May I Help You?" pin. Additionally, in the near future, a photo and the name of the scheduled Host Docent will be on display near the reception desk. Please call 248.553.2400 x10 for more information about the summer tour schedule and the Host Docent program. Summer Educational Institute Scheduled From August 15-19, in association with Eastern Michigan University, the Holocaust Center will offer "Reading the Holocaust: A Seminar for Teachers." This class will allow participants to obtain three undergraduate credits, three graduate credits, or 9 SB-CEUs. The Teacher Seminar is designed for current educators and education stu- dents. Themes include genocide, racism, ethics, and altruism. Participants can expect to gain high-quality classroom resources and a solid foundation in Holocaust and genocide studies. Sessions will be taught by faculty members from Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Grand Valley State University. All class sessions will be held at the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus. This seminar is offered on a com- petitive basis, with preference given to current educators. For more information, please contact Julie Knutson at 734.487.3152 or jknutson@emich.edu . We are excited to announce the forthcoming launch of a new website. During the last few months, we have been re-envisioning the website to more closely represent the spirit, energy and renewed sense of purpose that has been driving the Center. The site will have a new look, easier navigation, and a more intuitive member and donation interface. We are also hard at work on both revising our existing content and We are seeking adult volunteers who can give a half-day weekly or bi-weekly to assist guests in the Doris and Eric Billes developing new content. The exact Museum Shop. Training is provided. The shop is open Sunday through Friday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and during spe- date of the launch of the new website cial events. Prior retail experience is a plus but not a must. No heavy physical work is involved and there are accom- is still to be determined. Stay tuned! modations for those who cannot be on their feet for long periods of time. Interested? Call 248.553.2400, ext. 12. 2 HOLOCAUST Ma40RI4L CENTER 12011 no.1 ZEINTLLMAN FAMILY CAMPUS