The National Holocaust Centre & Museum
The National Holocaust Centre & Museum was the brainchild of Stephen and James Smith along with their mother Marina who in 1991 visited Yad Vashem - Israel’s national Holocaust museum. This conscientious, thoughtful and considered Christian family were stunned and challenged by the information gathered during their journey. James and Stephen believed that their education about the Holocaust at school and university had been lacking, as they had never had the opportunity to consider what the Holocaust might mean for them as individuals.The trip in 1991 changed the lives of the family as they came back to the UK and knew that the Holocaust had to be taught, discussed and understood by all. They were especially keen to see this done correctly for students learning about the Holocaust at school.
After many years of dedicated fund raising and incredibly hard work, affectionately known as Beth Shalom (the House of Peace) - the National Holocaust Centre & Museum was born. What once was the Smith family home is now the only national museum in the UK dedicated to teaching and learning the lessons from the Holocaust. From humble backgrounds, this inspirational place holds two permanent exhibitions, a memorial and reflective space, education and teaching space, beautiful landscaped memorial gardens and viewing galleries to learn about the Holocaust. We are also very proud to host The Journey, the only museum exhibition dedicated to teaching younger children about the Holocaust.
Some Photo’s from my visit in December 2024
