Berks Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Museum Capital Campaign
The Berks Holocaust Museum and Education Center will share stories and artifacts of WWII and the events and victims of the Holocaust. In addition, this site will serve as an educational facility of cultural and living history. Help us build so that we may never forget.
Dear Friends:
I have been extremely proud of the efforts of a handful of patriotic citizens who came together to create the Berks Military History Museum. In a matter of just a few years, this facility has grown from an empty shell of a building to housing an impressive collection of military artifacts and Berks County memorabilia.
Now, the museum is preparing to move towards its next step in the master plan: The creation of the Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Once completed, this addition will contain one of the most unique and important collections of Holocaust materials. It will also be one of only a small number of similar galleries across America.
This website describes the scope and direction of this campaign and lists both the needs and the goals of the proposed museum. I hope you will join me and other community leaders who are helping to create the funding necessary to transform this new and exciting initiative into reality. I encourage you to reach out to me or any member of the Campaign Team if you have any questions or need additional information, and I look forward to partnering with you in this historic endeavor.
Richard “Dick” Ehst
Chair, Capital Campaign
Berks Military History Museum
Our History
In the fall of 2015, a group of Berks County individuals realized the need for a local museum dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served our country. Led by Mark Gillen, this group developed extensive plans and began taking steps to establish the Berks Military History Museum. The facility is serving to educate future generations on the efforts made by our military heroes to protect and preserve American freedom.
The group purchased the former Cyrus Hornberger 1873 Wagon Works, located at 198 E. Wyomissing Ave. in Mohnton, and began securing items and funds to proceed with their plans. Through the years, generous community support and commitment from volunteers and veterans have helped the museum grow into an outstanding destination.
The Board of Directors has determined that now is the time to move forward with the building expansion housing the Holocaust Museum.
Our Purpose
Mission Statement
Our primary mission is to educate community members and future generations about the events of the Holocaust, to encourage visitors to reflect on the suffering inflicted by an ideology, and to never forget those who suffered as victims of this tragedy.
The “Jude” Star of David to be worn by all Jews in Germany and in some annexed territories.
The Berks Holocaust Museum and Education Center will be one of only a few in the nation. The museum will enhance tourism, provide special educational opportunities, and share the stories of the Holocaust and its victims to ensure that “we may never forget”.
The Expansion
Vision and Facility Use
The Holocaust Museum addition is a planned 4,800-square-foot, three-story facility attached to the current museum. The facility will be fully compliant with all accessibility requirements.
The main floor will offer four different gallery displays as well as an auditorium that divides into two separate classrooms. Following a visit to the galleries, local schools or universities may utilize these classrooms for lessons. The second floor will house a large center exhibit and six different galleries.
A variety of special, age-appropriate programming will be provided for visitors on a regular basis. Programming will include living history sessions with veterans of all ages and focused discussions highlighting the important roles played by our Berks County veterans.
Community members may utilize the facility for special events such as campouts, corporate training, and lunch-and-learns. Virtual tours will be available for those who cannot visit the museum in person.
Site Plan
Basement Plan
- Vehicles
- Equipment
- Underground Rsistance Exhibit
- House MEP Services
Main Floor Plan
- 72 Seat Auditorium
- Wall gallery Research Reading Room
- Women at War Office + Display
- Lobby gallery
Second Floor Plan
- The Ghettos
- Shanghai Ghetto
- Jews in the Armed Forces (including commandos)
- Concentration Camps
- Large Gallery
Support Our Mission
Gift Opportunities
For general donations, feel free to donate by mail:
Berks Military History Museum, 2650 Westview Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610