Permanent Exhibits at the Virginia Holocaust Museum
The Virginia Holocaust Museum permanent exhibits guide visitors on an immersive, chronological journey through one of history's darkest chapters—from the rise of Nazism and the persecution of European Jews to liberation and the difficult path toward rebuilding lives after the Holocaust.
Virginia Holocaust Museum Permanent Exhibits
The Virginia Holocaust Museum was founded by Holocaust survivor Jay M. Ipson, shown here with his father, Israel Ipson, after the end of World War II, with a simple but powerful mission: to preserve the stories of those who lived through the Holocaust and inspire future generations to stand against hatred and prejudice.
As you explore the museum's permanent exhibitions, you'll encounter Jay, members of his family, and other Holocaust survivors who came to Virginia to rebuild their lives after World War II. Through their firsthand accounts, authentic artifacts, photographs, and personal belongings, history becomes deeply personal.
Your experience begins with the voices of these survivors, whose stories provide a powerful introduction to the journey ahead.
Begin With a Short Film, Then Step Onto the Train Platform
Your visit begins with Through Our Survivors' Eyes, a 15-minute introductory film featuring the voices of Virginia Holocaust survivors. As they share memories of childhood, the rise of Nazi persecution, liberation, and rebuilding their lives in America, you'll begin to see the Holocaust through the eyes of those who lived it.
Commissioned by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, the documentary features Holocaust survivors Bud Brodecki, Jake Fayman, David Grabin, Israel Ipson, Esther Kutner, and Simone Schwarz, whose firsthand testimonies provide a powerful introduction to the museum experience.
Explore Pivotal Moments in Holocaust History
As you continue through the museum, you'll encounter the events that shaped the Holocaust and forever changed millions of lives. Explore exhibits on the rise of the Nazi Party, Kristallnacht, the Dachau concentration camp, the voyage of the St. Louis, the Kovno Ghetto, Hyde Farmlands, and other defining moments in Holocaust history.
Your journey concludes in a recreated Displaced Persons (DP) Camp, where you'll learn about the difficult choices survivors faced after liberation as they searched for loved ones, found new homes, and began rebuilding their lives.
Experience the Holocaust Through Personal Stories and Authentic Artifacts
The museum's more than 30 permanent exhibits guide you chronologically through the Holocaust, from the rise of the Nazi regime to liberation and the difficult years that followed. Along the way, you'll encounter more than 300 authentic artifacts, photographs, and personal belongings that bring history into sharp focus.
Interwoven throughout the exhibitions are the voices and stories of Holocaust survivors who eventually made Virginia their home. Their firsthand accounts transform historical events into deeply personal experiences, offering a powerful reminder of resilience, loss, and the enduring importance of remembrance.
Experience Dimensions in Testimony®: Interactive Survivor Conversations
Located on the Museum's second floor, Dimensions in Testimony® is an interactive experience created by the USC Shoah Foundation. Using advanced technology, visitors can ask questions and engage in a lifelike conversation with a recorded Holocaust survivor or witness to genocide. By preserving these firsthand testimonies, the experience helps ensure future generations can continue learning directly from those who lived through history.
Authentic Early 20th-Century German Rail Boxcar
Just outside the Museum entrance stands an authentic early 20th-century German rail boxcar—one of the Virginia Holocaust Museum's most powerful and recognizable artifacts. Acquired in 2003 with the assistance of Holocaust survivor Alex Lebenstein, the boxcar was recovered from Haltern am See, Germany. Similar railcars were used to deport millions of Jews and other victims to ghettos, concentration camps, and killing centers throughout Nazi-occupied Europe, making this artifact a sobering reminder of the Holocaust's human toll.
Jewish-American Hall of Fame
Tucked within the Museum's synagogue gallery, the Jewish-American Hall of Fame celebrates the remarkable achievements of Jewish Americans whose contributions have shaped science, medicine, public service, literature, music, and the arts. Since 1969, more than 50 individuals have been honored, including Albert Einstein, George Gershwin, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Joseph Pulitzer, and Dr. Jonas Salk.
The exhibit also encourages visitors to consider the immeasurable human potential lost during the Holocaust. By reflecting on the accomplishments of these distinguished Americans, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the countless innovations, discoveries, and cultural contributions that were never realized because six million Jews—and generations that followed—were murdered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I see in the Virginia Holocaust Museum's permanent exhibits?
The museum's permanent exhibits take visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust, from the rise of the Nazi regime to liberation and the years that followed. Along the way, you'll encounter authentic artifacts, immersive exhibit spaces, photographs, survivor testimonies, and interactive experiences that bring history to life.
How long does it take to tour the permanent exhibits?
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum. Some guests stay longer to spend more time in specific exhibitions or reflection spaces. Those who choose to watch the introductory film or participate in the Dimensions in Testimony® experience may wish to allow additional time.
Are the artifacts in the museum authentic?
Yes. The Virginia Holocaust Museum displays more than 300 authentic artifacts, photographs, and personal belongings that help tell the stories of Holocaust victims, survivors, and those who rebuilt their lives after World War II.
Can I interact with a Holocaust survivor during my visit?
Visitors can experience Dimensions in Testimony®, an interactive exhibit that allows guests to ask questions and engage in a lifelike conversation with a recorded Holocaust survivor or witness to genocide using advanced technology.
Are the permanent exhibits appropriate for children?
Because the Holocaust is a difficult and emotional subject, the museum generally recommends its permanent exhibits for visitors ages 11 and older. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use their discretion based on a child's maturity.
Are the permanent exhibits self-guided?
Yes. Most visitors explore the permanent exhibits at their own pace. Guided tours are also available for groups with advance reservations.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most exhibit areas, although flash photography and tripods are discouraged.
What makes the Virginia Holocaust Museum different from other Holocaust museums?
The museum was founded by Holocaust survivor Jay M. Ipson and is distinguished by the personal stories of Holocaust survivors who made Virginia their home. Throughout the exhibits, visitors encounter authentic artifacts, firsthand testimonies, immersive environments, and interactive experiences that connect history with individual lives.
Do I have to watch the introductory film?
No. Through Our Survivors Eyes is an optional 15-minute film that provides historical context and introduces visitors to the voices of Virginia Holocaust survivors. While not required, many guests find it enhances their understanding of the permanent exhibits.