The Florida Holocaust Museum — Attraction in Saint Petersburg

Years ago, I helped chaperone a group of young boys who were part of my son's religious school in Palm Harbor, Florida. Prior to visiting the museum, Parents were encouraged to watch "Schindler's List" with their children. Although I don't remember my son's exact age, he couldn't have been more than 12 years old at the time. The movie made him very upset and I remember him yelling angrily to me, "I'm going to make my children watch this when I'm grown up!" Watching my son watch something indescribably horrific and now deeply personal (as a mother) was truly painful, But the impact of this movie was nothing compared to our tour of the Tampa Holocaust Museum. Accompanying 6 boys, we followed the tour guide, who showed us one of the railroad cars Jews were forced to ride in crammed together to the camps. She then showed us a tiny child's ring that had been found wedged into the railroad car. Shocking. We then approached a glass case full of tiny children's and baby's shoes. Of everything I saw that day, that affected me the most. These were real shoes of real children who probably never left alive. It was unthinkable and gut wrenching. At the end of the tour, The last exhibit we were shown was a touring exhibit by an artist who created dioramas and recreations of camp life in metal miniatures. The art was riveting and beautiful and horrible all the same time. After the tour, the children were invited into the souvenir shop, something most children relish more than any other experience at a museum. The 6 boys I was escorting approached me, and they shyly asked me if they could donate their money to the museum instead of buying souvenirs. I was shocked and deeply moved by these young boys' benevolent gesture. Someone then mentioned the artist had created Mezuzahs, and I purchased one which I have treasured ever since. A few years ago, I was able to share this poignant experience with one of the founders of the museum, Alice Gross, a lifelong family friend of my father (and her late husband, Sam) and family. To be able to tell her how impactful the museum was to such such young boys was such a wonderful tribute to her and the people who made the museum possible... and those souls they...

I cannot properly put into words how incredible my experience was here. I was greeted by Ms. Kay-Lynne Taylor, who was so kind, helpful, and provided me with a wealth of information. During our conversation, I let her know I decided to become a member and that I am a teacher. She then provided me with brochures and cards and talked about next steps for field trips and who to talk to for resources for my students.

Additionally, I brought my 2-year old daughter, which I was hesitant to do, for obvious reasons. This museum deserves reverence and somberness. However, Ms. Taylor did not show any kind of negativity towards a toddler being in the museum. It was the total opposite. She was so sweet to her, and when we parted ways and started to go into the museum, my daughter gave her a hug, which is something she doesn't usually do to people she doesn't know. It made me want to cry (in a good way).

The museum itself has an outstanding collection, and it is put together so well. There are photos, documents, bricks from Auschwitz, prisoner clothing, the boxcar, the room with a boxcar, the story behind the boxcar, artwork, shoes, a letter from Einstein...like I said, an outstanding collection. I could spend hours in there and will be going back as soon as I can. The staff do a phenomenal job of maintaining the memories to make sure this generation and future generations never forget the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust.

The Florida Holocaust Museum is worth the trip, time, and any kind of financial donation you can give. You will be met with some of the most brilliant staff who care about you and your experience.

My only recommendation...expand the gift shop so museum patrons can purchase and support...

This museum was extremely educational. Very moving. The pictures and items displayed, even more, solidified this tragic atrocity in history. There are a few floors (elevators if needed.) There is a floor dedicated to paintings and artwork from various artist survivors depicting the life and times before the holocaust. There is also random art throughout. The most moving displays for me...an original train car and the shoes display. I was also blown away by the interactive maps in the beginning of the museum that depicted Hitler's reign. The way he just took over entire countries so quickly, really put things in perspective for me. It was astonishing how quickly through the years his plan played out. We also really thought the video testimonials of survivors by the train car display, was excellent. Listening to first hand accounts just spoke to your soul. It left me more educated, but not without feeling heavy in my heart. To understand the loss, desperation and cruelty was something we could only imagine. The strength these people had was not only miraculous, but an astonishing example of basic human survival. Every school trip should include this museum. You must feel the compassion, empathy and educate about devastating times throughout history. How else would you recognize how not to allow it to repeat? They first banned books. Small steps of oppression can lead to big catastrophes. This is one of the ways it...