ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Holocaust Museum reopened to the public for the first time on Tuesday after being closed for more than a year due to renovations.
Honoring the millions of people who died during the Holocaust, the museum features new exhibits, improved safety features and more.
Holocaust survivor John Rinde said the museum holds a special place in his heart.
Not only can you find his family among the exhibits, but also Rinde himself and his wife.
“It’s teaching history, hoping it won’t repeat itself, because they say history unlearned is a history repeated,” he said.
Rinde is 90 years old.
It has been a long time since he lived under the Nazi regime.
Even so, he can’t forget it.
“When we were occupied by the Germans in ‘41, I was six and a half years old,” he said. “All I knew is we’re in trouble.”
Not all the exhibits in the museum are new.
Previously on display is a boxcar used by the Nazis to transport Jews during the Holocaust.
Now, it’s joined by Thor the Danish Fishing Boat used to rescue Jews.
Rinde said there is so much history in the museum that needs to be remembered. He wants people to take this away more than anything else.
“Don’t blame any minority for the bad things that happen because bad things do happen, not because somebody wanted them to happen,” he said.
Guests can visit the Florida Holocaust Museum on Wednesday for free between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. as part of Duke Energy Free Day.
Matt Lackritz
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