Holocaust Education in San Diego

With the support of the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego, efforts to preserve Holocaust history and expand public education continue to grow through Remember Us The Holocaust—a locally driven initiative dedicated to keeping history alive through artifacts, storytelling, and community engagement.

Currently on display at the La Jolla Public Library, the exhibit offers visitors a powerful and personal look into the lives of Holocaust survivors connected to the San Diego region. Guests can view rare and authentic World War II artifacts while gaining a deeper understanding of this critical period in history. Thoughtfully curated by Sandra Scheller, the exhibit brings forward voices and stories that might otherwise be lost to time. Also featured in the exhibit is the original ceramic artwork of Holocaust survivor Maria Jutasi Coleman. These pieces tell the story of the Holocaust through her personal experiences, resilience, and the profound emotions of survival, offering visitors a deeply human perspective on history that cannot be conveyed through words alone.

Open through June during regular library hours, the exhibit welcomes the public as well as organized groups. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays, along with specialized programming for schools, retirement communities, and individuals seeking a more in-depth educational experience. At present, it stands as San Diego’s only Holocaust exhibit and museum open to the public. Sandra made a promise to my mother, Ruth Sax, a Holocaust survivor, to establish a Holocaust Museum in San Diego—something that had never been done before. She is now fully committed to supporting living Holocaust survivors and turning this long-held dream into a reality.

Looking ahead, Remember Us The Holocaust is expected to relocate to the San Diego Public Library in September. The move will expand opportunities for student engagement through interactive storytelling and art, further strengthening its educational impact. Since its founding in 2020, the exhibit has traveled to multiple library locations throughout the county, growing with each installation thanks to strong community support.

More than a traditional exhibit, the initiative serves as a living space for dialogue, reflection, and truth. Its growing collection of artifacts has been made possible by San Diego families—many with personal ties to World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors—who are committed to preserving these important pieces of history for future generations.

In addition to this exhibit, the region will host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibition from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It will be on display at Grossmont College from April 14 through May 21. Grossmont is one of only 50 locations nationwide selected for this prestigious exhibition, offering another opportunity for the community to engage with Holocaust history on a national level.

The Butterfly Project continues to honor the memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust, using art and education to teach new generations about their lives, stories, and the importance of remembrance. For more information about this world-renowned project contact info@thebutterflyprojectnow.org or call (619) 790-7691

Also arriving soon is the Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education, a mobile learning experience designed to bring Holocaust education directly into schools. This innovative program aims to reach students and educators in accessible and meaningful ways, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust extend beyond traditional spaces.

Tours are from 12-2:30 pm on Tuesday unless by appointment. To schedule a tour of Remember Us The Holocaust or to learn more about donating World War II and Holocaust artifacts, please contact Sandra Scheller at (619) 422-3429 or email rememberustheholocaust@gmail.com.

This ongoing initiative reflects San Diego’s deep commitment to education, remembrance, and historical truth. By supporting Holocaust education efforts across the region, the community demonstrates a shared dedication to preserving the past and inspiring future generations to learn, reflect, and remember.