2021 Bearing Witness Magazine

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

Kelly J. Zúniga, Ed.D.

Dear HMH Family and Friends, Reaching our 25 th Anniversary on March 3, 2021 was such an important milestone. This year has been all about sharing our HMH stories, remembering the victims of the Holocaust, celebrating the Survivors, and sharing their stories with the public. We have had a dedicated team of volunteers focused throughout the year on promoting these stories through their own personal social media networks. Throughout this 25th anniversary effort I have personally learned so much, hopefully you have joined me on this journey as well. Our endeavor of organizing the last 25 years of HMH history for our many audiences has provided me with the opportunity to meet many early founders of HMH. These are the individuals that supported our mission even before we had obtained our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS! They shared a dream of Holocaust Education and Remembrance, always believing in the Museum and what it could become. Many of these individuals are now in their late 80’s and early 90’s and are taking the time to speak with me. Frequently, in these cherished conversations, they shared how determined the founders were. “It was never a question of how, only a question of when we would make the Museum a reality.” -Mark Wise

I have discovered throughout this 25th Anniversary year that even if the founder or volunteer cannot serve as they once had, their passion and spirit are still with us. It is their belief that our Mission must continue moving forward by serving others. There are so many important signs of HMH’s impact including the best 25 traveling exhibitions at HMH, the birth of new and creative educational programs, the formation of the LBJ Moral Courage Award, along with the Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon. We can go on and on, each example making up a part of HMH’s heart and soul. Looking back over 25 years of hard work and determination reminds me that it is all about our amazing HMH family. Each one of you has made this special anniversary possible. How truly blessed we are. With gratitude,

Kelly J. Zúñiga, Ed.D. Chief Executive Officer

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