Karkomi Permanent Exhibition
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The Zev and Shifra Karkomi Permanent Exhibition tells the story of the Holocaust, from pre-war German life, to ghettos and concentration camps, to eventual liberation and resettlement throughout the world, with a special focus on post-war life in Skokie. More than 500 artifacts, documents, and photographs help illustrate the narrative of the Holocaust, while testimonies from local survivors add personal detail. A German rail car of the type used in Nazi deportation programs sits in the center of the building. The exhibition concludes with a summary film in the Pritzker Theater that connects the lessons of the Holocaust with other genocides. View select artifacts online >
The average visit time is approximately two hours. This exhibition is recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older.
Make a Difference! The Miller Family Youth Exhibition
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Make a Difference! The Miller Family Youth Exhibition is designed for visitors aged 8-11. Interactive and hands-on activities in McDonald’s Friendship Park help visitors identify who they are as individuals, explore what it takes to care for themselves and others, and learn how to make the difficult decisions that lead to being an “upstander” rather than a bystander. “Take a Stand” is a virtual-reality experience that provides a safe forum for visitors to explore their impact on their communities and how their decisions and actions affect others. The Polk Bros. Global Community Theater offers a variety of film and live experiences.Legacy of Absence Gallery
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The Legacy of Absence Gallery focuses on contemporary artistic responses to genocides and other atrocities, including Cambodia, Rwanda, Argentina, and the Soviet Gulag. Through various perspectives, these galleries help visitors gain an understanding of the lasting effects of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights abuses. The Gallery features contemporary works of art, photographs, and multimedia installations from world-renowned artists such as Samuel Bak, Betye Saar, Natan Nuchi, and Jozef Szajna, among many others.Special Exhibition
Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War
February 19, 2012–June 17, 2012
Ours to Fight For explores and celebrates the achievements of Jewish men and women who were part of the American war effort on and off of the battlefield. In their own voices and through their artifacts, letters, and photographs the “Greatest Generation” tells the stories of what the war was like for all its participants, and for Jews in particular. Approximately 500,000 Jews served in all branches of the U.S. armed forces during the war and 52,000 were decorated for bravery. Ours To Fight For brings to life the actions and feelings of these courageous young men and women ‐ their discomfort, camaraderie, faith, fear, horror,deep meaning they found in getting the job done.
The exhibition features personal quotes, letters, photos, video testimonies and period artifacts; a WWII‐era “Home Front Theater” where visitors can view archival footage of American soldiers liberating Europe; and recognition of local veterans on the Wall of Honor.
Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War was created and is circulated by the Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, New York.
Major funding for this exhibition was generously provided by Jack and Susan Rudin and Family in memory of Lewis Rudin; by Irving Schneider in memory of his friend, Lewis Rudin; and by Irving and June Paler in memory of June's father, Duncan Robertson, who fought for justice in both World Wars. Additional support provided by Verizon Foundation and EveryoneSmile.com.
Room of Remembrance and Hall of Reflection
The Room of Remembrance pays special homage to the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Representative names of victims line the walls in a moving tribute to those who were lost. The inspirational Pritzker Hall of Reflection provides a forum for peaceful discussion and contemplation for groups and individuals.
Skokie, IL