Dallas Holocaust Museum Officials Hope Bigger Facility, Focus Will Help Fight Prejudice, Hate

With incidents of global terrorism, anti-Semitism and hate activity on the rise, it might seem there's no better time for what officials of The Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance have planned just a few blocks away from their current location.On Tuesday, they'll hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new, greatly expanded facility that not only addresses the Holocaust but genocides and human rights struggles throughout history. The makeover will also come with a new name: The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum."We need a place that allows us to discuss human rights, diversity, respect for others and what that means for our city today," Rawlings said in a news release issued by the museum. "The new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum will be that place."Set to open in 2019, the 51,000-square-foot complex at 300 N. Houston Street will be four times the size of the museum's current facility, which often reaches capacity. It will feature a 250-seat theater, two classrooms, courtyard areas for reflection and video testimonies from dozens of local Holocaust survivors, many of whom will be honored at Tuesday's 10 a.m. event.In addition, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings is expected to proclaim October 10 Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Day.  Continue reading...