HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The Goodwin Holocaust Museum and Education Center of the Delaware Valley did not rise suddenly from the ground in Cherry Hill.  It began at a time when the Holocaust seemed to be a sad secret very few discussed.  One of the very few, was Yaacov Riz, who created the Jewish Identity in the basement of his row home in Philadelphia in 1965.  His memories and memorabilia were so significant that they were moved to Gatz College in Philadelphia after his untimely death. Educator, author and historian, Dr. Philip Rosen volunteered to serve as director of the Holocaust Awareness Museum at Gratz College.  He greatly augmented the existing artifacts and memorabilia and established a Speakers Bureau of survivors and liberators.  Nelly Toll, a hidden child during the Holocaust, began the formation of the Holocaust Resource Center, with the help of dedicated volunteers, Maxine Ladov, Ruth Respler, Sam Feigenbaum, Jules Lieberman and many others involved with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey.

A decision to combine the efforts of both sides of the river, led to the creation of the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of the Delaware Valley, and its centerpiece, The Goodwin Holocaust Museum, which is located in the new Jewish Community Campus in Cherry Hill, to serve the New Jersey, the Greater Philadelphia Region and Delaware.

In addition to the Goodwin Holocaust Museum, the GHMEC also includes a Speakers Bureau of survivors and liberators, and an Education Center providing teacher and student training programs, a Holocaust Library and Media Center and Holocaust awareness presentations and special events.   The response has been gratifying.  What was started by inspired and dedicated individuals has been expanded and enhanced in its new setting.

Any questions can be directed to the GHMEC/JCRC office:

(856) 751-9500 ext 203 or 249