News Summary
Eric Stillman has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Florida Holocaust Museum, succeeding interim CEO Mike Igel. With extensive experience in Jewish Federations and a focus on antisemitism studies, Stillman aims to enhance educational initiatives as the museum prepares for its reopening in September 2025. The renovated museum will feature significant new exhibits, including the Elie Wiesel Collection and a Danish fishing vessel that played a role in World War II. The changes position the museum for future growth and engagement in Holocaust education.
St. Petersburg, Florida — Eric Stillman has been appointed the new President and CEO of the Florida Holocaust Museum, effective June 1, 2025. He is set to replace interim CEO Mike Igel. The Florida Holocaust Museum is preparing for its official reopening on September 9, 2025, following a year of extensive renovations aimed at modernizing the space and enhancing the visitor experience.
The renovated museum will debut several significant new exhibits, including the Elie Wiesel Collection. This permanent exhibit will showcase a variety of personal papers, artifacts, and materials related to the late Nobel Prize-winning author and humanitarian, Elie Wiesel. Additionally, a historically significant 34-foot Danish fishing vessel named Thor, which played a role in smuggling Danish Jews to neutral Sweden during World War II, will also be featured permanently at the museum. These additions are part of the museum’s strategy to attract both returning visitors and new audiences.
Stillman joins the Florida Holocaust Museum with a wealth of experience in leadership positions within various Jewish Federations across the United States, including in Nashville, Broward County, and New Orleans. He has also led Triovate Analytics, a Washington, D.C.-based organization focused on studying antisemitism through data collection and predictive analytics. His background positions him to significantly impact the museum’s mission of Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new position, Stillman highlighted that he is entering the museum at a “very significant, pivotal time.” His plans include immersing himself in the museum’s collections and actively working with the local community to foster greater museum involvement. Stillman emphasizes that Holocaust education is a crucial tool for combating antisemitism and for fostering understanding among current and future generations.
Mike Igel, who served as the interim CEO, will continue to contribute to the museum’s efforts by chairing the newly-formed Elie Wiesel Collection Project Committee. This committee will aid in the development and promotion of the Elie Wiesel Collection, ensuring that the museum effectively honors Wiesel’s legacy through education and exhibition.
The Florida Holocaust Museum, founded in 1992, serves as a profound educational resource dedicated to preserving the history of the Holocaust and promoting human rights and understanding. The institution has seen significant growth since its inception, and the planned renovations and new exhibits are set to contribute to its ongoing mission. The museum aims to provide a space for reflection, education, and dialogue, addressing the complexities and consequences of intolerance.
The combination of new leadership, expanded exhibits, and enhanced facilities positions the Florida Holocaust Museum for a promising future, drawing upon its important history while looking toward new educational possibilities. With the reopening set for September 2025, the community and the broader public can anticipate a rejuvenated space for learning and remembrance.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Introducing Eric Stillman, the New Florida Holocaust Museum CEO
- Wikipedia: Holocaust
- St. Pete Catalyst: Holocaust Museum Announces New CEO
- Google Search: Florida Holocaust Museum
- eJewish Philanthropy: New Israeli Academic Institute Looks to Give Hope a Chance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holocaust
- Wikipedia: Elie Wiesel
- Google News: Holocaust Education
