News Summary
Eric B. Stillman has been appointed president and CEO of the Florida Holocaust Museum, set to reopen in 2025 after renovations. His experience in Jewish federations and data analysis positions him for enhancing community engagement and educational outreach as the museum introduces significant new exhibits.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Eric B. Stillman has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Florida Holocaust Museum, with his tenure officially beginning on June 1, 2025. Stillman’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on September 9, 2025, following extensive renovations aimed at enhancing both educational and security measures.
Among the notable additions that will be featured after the renovations are the Elie Wiesel Collection and the Danish fishing vessel Thor. The Elie Wiesel Collection will showcase personal papers, artifacts, and materials belonging to the late Nobel Prize-winning author and Holocaust survivor, representing an invaluable educational resource. Meanwhile, Thor, a historical vessel utilized to smuggle Danish Jews to neutral Sweden during World War II, will be permanently displayed, serving as a poignant reminder of the Holocaust.
Prior to joining the Florida Holocaust Museum, Stillman held the role of CEO at the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. He has also made significant contributions to various Jewish federations across the U.S. In addition, he operates Triovate Analytics, a D.C.-based organization specializing in data analysis related to antisemitism in the United States. With a history of engagement in community initiatives, Stillman aims to connect with the St. Petersburg community to promote the museum’s educational resources and outreach programs.
The leadership transition follows the tenure of interim CEO Mike Igel, who will continue to play a role in the museum’s future by chairing the Elie Wiesel Collection Project Committee. Stillman’s appointment is timely, as the museum looks to revamp its infrastructure not only to enhance visitor experience but also to address rising concerns regarding security in light of a growing number of antisemitic incidents across the nation.
The upcoming renovations will significantly improve the safety and educational capacity of the museum. The enhancements include security upgrades to protect visitors and staff while fostering a secure learning environment. This is particularly important as the museum’s leadership has expressed concern over the financial implications of ongoing security measures, which have at times diverted funds from essential educational programming.
The Florida Holocaust Museum boasts a significant collection of over 25,000 artifacts, making it one of only three Holocaust museums in the United States with national accreditation. The renovation project will introduce modernized exhibits, a completely new entrance, an inviting open-air second-story balcony, and a theater designated for the Dimensions in Testimony exhibit, which provides interactive conversations with Holocaust survivors.
The Museum’s collection features one of the few remaining railroad boxcars that the Nazis used to transport victims to concentration camps, further serving as a critical educational tool for visitors. The decision to undertake renovations not only emphasizes a commitment to preserving history but also targets a mission to actively combat antisemitism by educating the public about the Holocaust and its lessons.
In summary, as the Florida Holocaust Museum embarks on a new chapter under Eric Stillman’s leadership, expectations are high for enhanced community outreach and educational efforts along with improvements in safety measures. With the upcoming renovations and new exhibits, the museum is poised to make a significant impact on the St. Petersburg community and beyond, reinforcing its role as a vital institution for Holocaust education.
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