HOLMUS 4767-22 Spring 2015 Newsletter -tp

“If you are ever thinking about building a museum, I would like to help.”

Little did she know, but this simple offer to Siegi Izakson would launch

an almost 30-year endeavor for Ellen Trachtenberg, as she eventually

joined with other volunteers to plan, build, open and grow Holocaust

Museum Houston.

As the Museum was being created, Trachtenberg was co-chair of the

committee that developed the Museum’s permanent exhibit, “Bearing

Witness: A Community Remembers.” Trachtenberg undertook this

journey with a deep-seeded sense of reverence and passion that has

never wavered. “I have such a deep respect and love for the survivors,”

she said. “I am honored to have been entrusted to keep their stories

alive. I feel very privileged. I have always wanted to do right by them.”

While the Museum will grow and change with time, the permanent

exhibit will always be the heart of the Museum. In fact, the exhibit

is commonly referred to as the “core,” which is fitting. Even today,

Trachtenberg is devoted to – and protective of – the Museum and

the core exhibit. She explained, “I want to ensure that the historical

events of the Holocaust are still told and told in an effective way. The

core exhibit is how we teach this history. This space teaches what can

happen when evil and hatred go unchecked and the importance of

tolerance and respect for others.”

Trachtenberg has taken steps to ensure that the permanent exhibit

will continue beyond her own time. She and her husband created and

funded the Ellen and Dan Trachtenberg Permanent Exhibit Endowment

Fund, which will provide perpetual support for the core exhibit. When

asked why they chose to make this gift, she said, “When you endow,

you make a promise. People will know what you care about. An

endowment reminds my grandchildren of what is important to me. I

want them to know that this is part of who I am.” She went on to add,

“The legacy I want to leave isn’t money, but values and traditions.”

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage

PAID

Houston, Texas

Permit No. 06413

Morgan Family Center

5401 Caroline Street | Houston, TX 77004

Ellen Trachtenberg: A Gift of Permanent Remembrance

Ellen Trachtenberg and husband Dan created an endowed fund to

provide ongoing support for the Museum’s Permanent Exhibit. To join

Ellen in providing endowed funding for the Museum’s future, call

Charles Williams at 713-527-1629 or email