The historical stories not always heard
"My grandparents told those stories to me, and I heard them on the news, yet we didn't really hear much about the Holocaust."
Melbourne Holocaust Museum’s new CEO Dr Steven Cooke grew up in the UK. Like many people, he heard very heroic stories about World War II.
“My grandparents told those stories to me, and I heard them on the news, yet we didn’t really hear much about the Holocaust.”
When a neighbour who had served in the war died, Cooke found out he was one of the first people to enter Belsen after it was liberated. “I became fascinated by the stories we tell ourselves as a society and the stories we don’t tell ourselves.”
When he started his PhD on the memorialisation of the Holocaust in the mid-1990s, he spoke with survivors in the UK about how they wanted museums and memorials to reflect their experiences. Visiting Poland and taking part in the International Holocaust Educators’ course at Yad Vashem added another dimension to his education.
Cooke commenced as MHM CEO at the beginning of February, taking over from Jayne Josem, who recently stepped down after over 20 years of service to the museum.
Cooke believes the motivation that started the centre in 1984 – the need to create a space for survivors to tell their stories, a space where the community can be educated about what happened – is still as relevant today.
The newly remodelled building, 40 years old next month, has retained its symbolism and expanded its facilities to engage more visitors and education groups.
“Kerstin Thompson Architects have done an amazing job of capturing the essence of what the Melbourne Holocaust Museum has always been,” he said, adding that by visitors can continue to learn how important these stories are.
“Survivors have always been at the heart of this institution and will continue to be as their legacy lives on. The museum is an amazing testament to their lives and a place where we continue to engage with their stories. It is such an amazing achievement that the 40-year journey is continuing.”
Cooke began his role as CEO with a clear intention – ensuring that MHM is an effective and sustainable organisation that remains the finest memorial to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and supports staff and volunteers while continuing and developing its vital work.
“I have been working in this area for 30 years, so in terms of the mix of my career – which covers leadership positions in heritage museums, a really strong commitment to Holocaust education and amplifying the voices of survivors – I couldn’t think of a better job. I am so privileged to be sitting here trying to fill Jane’s big shoes.”
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