#United States #Washington #IMLS #Holocaust Education #Anti-Semitism

Expanding Support for Holocaust Education

On January 27, 2026, the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) made waves by expanding its financial support for initiatives dedicated to Holocaust education and anti-Semitism awareness. This announcement coincided with the solemn observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring that the memories of the six million Jewish victims, alongside other victims, are honored and never forgotten.

In 2025, under the leadership of the Trump Administration, the elimination of anti-Semitism became a key social priority, reflected in Executive Orders aimed at combating hate. The IMLS responded by prioritizing projects that not only educate the public about the Holocaust but also foster civil discourse and address racial and religious prejudices.

Funding Breakdown

The IMLS announced a total allocation of $2.7 million across four specific projects. These initiatives are projected to span one to three years, with an overarching goal of promoting Holocaust education and preserving important historical documentation. Notable project milestones include:

• - Preserving the archives of Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel.
• - Presenting previously underreported stories from the Holocaust.
• - Creating interactive exhibits that engage the public in meaningful ways.

Each selected project was rigorously evaluated by panels comprised of museum and library professionals, who assessed their alignment with program requirements and potential efficacy. IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling stated that these initiatives are vital for the future of civil discourse and to challenge biases of all kinds.

Awarded Projects in Detail

1. Florida Holocaust Museum: This initiative will see the construction of a new exhibition featuring significant artifacts, including a Danish rescue boat and documents from Elie Wiesel. With a focus on enhancing audience engagement, the museum plans to utilize technology and interactive components to reach a wider demographic, including college students.

2. Holocaust Documentation and Education Center (HDEC): Based in South Florida, the HDEC will create an outreach program for educators and students that leverages interactive resources to teach key Holocaust lessons. Their plans include hiring coordinators dedicated to educational outreach, aiming at boosting understanding among K-12 students primarily in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

3. Zekelman Holocaust Center: This center will embark on digitizing its archive collection, making historical materials more accessible to the public. This three-year venture aims to enhance the center's educational initiatives by integrating previously untold stories into their displays and resources.

4. Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center: In collaboration with the Cincinnati Museum Center, this project will host engaging community programs centered on two exhibitions focused on both historical context and survivor narratives. Their activities will include survivor-led tours and community engagement events throughout Ohio.

A Call to Action

Sonderling emphasized the importance of these projects during the announcement, asserting, "We can never forget the horrors of the Holocaust. Anti-Semitism continues to pose an urgent threat today, and it is imperative that cultural institutions provide educational opportunities to combat this.

As part of the nation's ongoing efforts, grant applications for the fiscal year 2026 are now open, encouraging museums and libraries to develop their own initiatives to combat hate and foster understanding through education. The IMLS aims to empower institutions to create environments where history and lessons from the Holocaust can enlighten future generations.

About IMLS

The IMLS serves as a crucial provider of federal support for museums and libraries across the United States. Through grant funding, research, and policy development, the organization strives to make information and inspirational resources accessible, fostering greater knowledge of our cultural heritage. For further information, visit www.imls.gov.

This initiative represents a vital step towards addressing the challenges of anti-Semitism while commemorating one of the gravest periods in human history.