Arizona allocates $2m for first Holocaust Education Center in state: Here's what we know

The center, projected to open to the public in April 2027, will be the first of its kind in Arizona.

PUBLISHED OCT 27, 2024

The State of Arizona mandates that students must be taught about the Holocaust at least twice between 7th and 12th grade.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved funding for the new Arizona Holocaust Education Center, also known as the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, a facility being built in Downtown Phoenix.

The center, projected to open to the public in April 2027, will be the first of its kind in Arizona and is expected to host up to 50,000 visitors per year. Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin allocated $2 million of his portion of Maricopa County Community Solutions Funding to support the project.

"The Holocaust was an atrocity and it is important that we teach our children and future generations about what occurred to make sure it never happens again," said Galvin of District 2. "I am concerned by the rising tide of anti-Semitism, here in our community and around the world. Phoenix is the largest city in the United States without a Holocaust museum or education center. It is vitally needed in the Valley, more than ever.

"This collaboration with the Arizona Jewish Historical Society will help preserve and embrace the rich heritage of our local Jewish communities, educate the public on the historical significance of the Holocaust, and teach students to take responsibility for building a better and more just world."

This investment will primarily go towards immersive exhibitions that will be installed across two of the three floors of the new 28,500 square-foot building. These hands-on learning opportunities will highlight the stories of Holocaust survivors, teach visitors about other genocides and crimes against humanity that have occurred throughout history, and promote understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.

In addition, this investment will subsidize admission fees for local public school students to visit the center at no cost. This enables the Arizona Jewish Historical Society to supply needed curriculum about the Holocaust to public schools in Maricopa County so they can fulfill state educational standards. The State of Arizona mandates that students must be taught about the Holocaust at least twice between 7th and 12th grade.

“We are extremely grateful to the Maricopa Board of Supervisors, particularly Supervisor Galvin, for sponsoring this generous appropriation," said Steve Hilton, Project Chair and Board Member at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.

"The Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center will take a multifaceted, experiential approach to presenting the history and legacy of the Holocaust. As students move through the galleries, they will experience both a physical and emotional journey, gaining the understanding that will inspire them to act and help “Repair the World”.