In what feels like the completion of a circle, the National Holocaust Museum has appointed one of its first volunteers from 30 years ago as its new chair of trustees.
Adam Dawson MBE first worked at the Nottinghamshire museum in as a volunteer during the summer of 1995, shortly after it was founded.
He joins the National Holocaust Museum, which also goes by the name Beth Shalom (House of Peace), following nearly seven years of service as a trustee of Jewish Care. This includes five years chairing the board of mental health charity, Jami, where he played a key role in its merger with Jewish Care.
Marc Cave, director of the National Holocaust Museum, said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Adam. In our 30th anniversary year, there is a huge amount to build on – and we must. The conspiracy thinking at the heart of anti-Jewish racism, and which led to the Holocaust, is rampant again in society.”
Dawson’s appointment comes at a critical time as the museum continues to extend its educational reach amid a global surge in antisemitism. It frequently invites Holocaust survivors to share powerful testimonies with young visitors.
The Journey, an immersive exhibition, at the National Holocaust Museum (Photo_ National Holocaust Museum)[Missing Credit]
Reflecting on his appointment, Dawson said: “I am very excited to reconnect with the National Holocaust Museum. It left a lasting impression on me 30 years ago and I know has that same impact on the many visitors we receive each year.
"Anti-Jewish racism is at terrifying heights, and we need to do all we can to tackle this through education. I have exciting plans to expand our reach and ensure this iconic museum goes from strength to strength.”
Outgoing chair of the National Holocaust Museum Henry Grunwald OBE KC said: "I am so pleased that the NHM has appointed Adam as the new chair. I have known him, both professionally and communally, for many years and am confident that he is the right person to lead the NHM into the future.”
Liz Johnson, Midlands area director at Arts Council England, said: “Museums help us to learn from our past, make better sense of our present, and inspire us to build a better tomorrow. We’re confident that Adam will make an excellent contribution, building on the important work already done to encourage kindness over discrimination.”
Marcus Sperber, chair of Jewish Care, paid tribute to Dawson’s work with the charity, saying: “His vision, energy and commitment have left a lasting mark on our community, and we are excited to see the impact he will have in his new role.”
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