History of the MHM
The MHM was founded relying on the generous donation of time, materials and money from Holocaust survivors, their families and other supporters.
Following a generous donation from the late Mina Fink in memory of her late husband, Leo Fink, an old double-story building (a former dance school) was purchased and subsequently turned into a space suitable for housing exhibitions and a library.
In 1990, the downstairs museum was remodelled and the upstairs Smorgon Family Auditorium was created, doubling the size of the museum area as well as providing larger facilities for hosting educational programs and seminars.
A support group, Friends of the Holocaust Centre Inc, was established in 1997. Its committee members have been actively involved in promoting the MHM’s activities and raising funds.
The continuing support of the community enabled further extensions to the museum in 1999 with the opening of the Hadassa and Szymon Rosenbaum Research Centre, by the then Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane.
The Melbourne Holocaust Museum was granted incorporation in November 2000, with a new Board of Management, representing five community organisations:
- B’nai Brith Anti-Defamation League
- Descendants of the Shoah Inc
- Friends of the Holocaust Centre
- Kadimah Yiddish Cultural Centre
- Katzetlers Verband
Over the years, volunteers and the MHM have gained many distinguished honours, including the Westpac Museum of the Year and the Victorian State Government’s Multicultural Award. The work and achievement of individual volunteers has been recognised in Australia Day and Queen’s birthday honours as well as local government and B’nai Brith community service awards. The Museum achieved accreditation by Museums Australia in 2001.
The Founders of the MHM
The MHM would not exist without the tireless efforts, sacrifice, and contributions of our Founders.