A new chapter for The Florida Holocaust Museum

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St. Petersburg is a city with depth – a place where culture, history and human dignity intersect. That spirit is part of what drew me here. But more than anything, it was the mission of The Florida Holocaust Museum (FHM) that compelled me to say yes to this new chapter.

A Journey of Service, A Moment of Calling

My life’s journey has taken me through many communities and causes. I’ve spent decades in Jewish communal leadership, nonprofit strategy and executive service. Each step prepared me for this one. I’m honored by the trust placed in me to serve as President and CEO of the FHM – a museum rooted in remembrance, powered by education and driven by a vision for a more compassionate world.

“Holocaust education is not only a tool for preserving memory – it’s a call to action.”

In the face of rising antisemitism across the globe, our work has never felt more urgent. Holocaust education is not only a tool for preserving memory – it’s a call to action. A means of fostering empathy. A way to build resilience against hatred, and to inspire individuals and institutions to take a stand.

First Impressions, Lasting Connections

During prior visits to St. Pete, I was struck by the city’s vibrant energy and inclusive spirit. It felt like the kind of place where I could do meaningful work – and still feel at home. That sense has only deepened since arriving.

In just our first few days, my wife, Rabbi Jessica Shimberg, and I have already felt that unmistakable sense of welcome. After a wonderful all-staff meeting at the museum, a colleague recommended a local vegan restaurant – perfect for our anniversary dinner. From the warmth of the front-of-house manager to the feeling of shared values across the room, it reminded us how community often begins in the smallest moments.

“Community often begins in the smallest moments.”

Later, a chance conversation in the floral department at Whole Foods became a meaningful touchpoint. At the Holocaust Survivors’ luncheon hosted by Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services – and again at the Hakarat Hatov event hosted by the Tampa JCCs and Federation – we were deeply moved by the generosity of spirit and the shared sense of history that so many brought into the room with the FHM.

“I expected professional connections. What I didn’t anticipate – so quickly – was the start of something more.”

The Threshold of Transformation

We’re standing at the threshold of an exciting new chapter for The Florida Holocaust Museum – just as the global community is navigating an uncertain and challenging future.

At the FHM, our upcoming re-opening on Sept. 9 will mark not just the return of our exhibitions but the beginning of a transformation. Visitors – whether returning or coming for the first time -will experience something new: immersive, powerful, and timely.

“Even for those who have visited before, there will be new perspectives and expanded experiences.”

And this is only the beginning.

Imagining the Future, Together

We’re also imagining broader possibilities – rethinking how our space serves the community, expanding our educational reach and reimagining what it means to be a living institution. Over time, we hope to enhance the museum and deepen its impact as a regional and national resource.

“My first priority as CEO is to listen—intentionally and with care.”

We’ll do this by building partnerships that reflect the richness and diversity of our community, and by co-creating a multi-year vision grounded in shared values. My first priority as President and CEO is to listen – intentionally and with care – to our staff, board, donors, survivors, stakeholders,and community members.

The vision we build must be collective, courageous, and clear.

Leading with Purpose

As a leader, I believe in integration: weaving together voices, perspectives, and experiences to shape a strong and sustainable future. As the saying goes, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” My hope is to help guide the FHM with purpose, toward a future we can all embrace.

“The Florida Holocaust Museum was founded on the belief that memory matters.”

The Florida Holocaust Museum was founded on the belief that memory matters – that remembrance, education, and moral courage are the cornerstones of a better world.

This calling is more relevant than ever. And I look forward to walking into the future – together – with you.

Eric Stillman is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Holocaust Museum.