When Peter Metzelaar was 7, the Nazis seized his entire family except for Peter and his mother. With the help of the Dutch Underground, Peter and his mother were sheltered by rescuers in Holland.

After the war, Peter and his mother immigrated to the United States. Although Peter spoke no English when he first arrived in the country, he worked hard in school and went on to have a successful career as a radiology technologist. Today, he continues to be an active member of the Holocaust Center for Humanity's Speakers Bureau.

On the first Sunday of every month, Peter is available in our museum* to answer questions from the public and tell his personal story. This is a rare opportunity to hear the experiences of a Holocaust survivor in person.

*There occasionally arise circumstances where Peter cannot be in the museum as planned. Please call ahead to confirm or check our calendar for updates. 

Sunday, October 22 | 2:00-3:00pm | With Arik Cohen 

Arik Cohen's four grandparents all survived the Holocaust -- and growing up he never realized how lucky he was to have the opportunity to be alive.  

Sunday, November 19 | 2:00-3:00pm | With Michal Lotzkar

When Michal's father Arieh was 5 years old, he witnessed Germany invading his hometown in Poland. Arieh's family decided that it would be safest to move east into the Soviet Union with the hope they would be returning home before long. Instead, they became part of a migrant group sent to various labor camps as far away as Siberia. 

Sunday, December 10 | 2:00-3:00pm | With Naomi Newman

Naomi traces the stories of her parents and grandparents, survivors of the Holocaust, from Europe, to Asia and the Middle East, and eventually to the U.S. Their stories encapsulate the wide range of experiences during the Holocaust, from labor camps, escape and rescue, the Trans-Siberian Railroad, and immigration to the U.S. and to Israel.

See more upcoming programs.

Finding Light in the Darkness 

Through stories and artifacts of Washington State Holocaust survivors, the museum’s exhibit engages visitors in this history and challenges them to consider how each person’s actions make a difference.

Visitors can interact with video testimony from local Holocaust survivors, explore artifacts that bring history to life, and learn about local students who are upstanders in their schools and communities.

Image by Stefanie Felix 

Explore this exhibit virtually 

Take a virtual tour through our museum so you can plan your visit or experience our resources from your own home.

For teachers looking for classroom resources, our virtual field trips can bring the experience of visiting our museum to your classroom. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a docent-guided virtual field trip.

"I believe very strongly this is the most hopeful place in the city."

- Steve Adler, local Holocaust survivor

Suggested Admission

Security

All bags are subject to search, and weapons of any type are strictly not allowed in the museum, including guns, knives (even pocket knives), and pepper spray.

Directions and Parking