Maine Holocaust Museum Recognized Nationally
The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC) recently received an institute award for its structural design. The Center was one of eleven buildings recognized in the 2009 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program (IDEAS2).
Sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction, the program acknowledges structural designs where steel has been utilized in an innovative manner. The eleven 2009 IDEAS2 winners were chosen from nearly 100 submissions received from architectural and engineering firms. The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine’s structure was selected for its unique design and impressive profile, which sits on the campus of the University of Maine in Augusta.
Founded in 1985, the HHRC educates and advocates for human rights and dignity, as well as celebrates diversity. Through history lessons on the Holocaust, the nonprofit organization strives to show what can happen when basic human rights are removed. The Center works to reduce prejudice while creating an environment of tolerance, acceptance, and well-being among everyone.
The national award brings national recognition to a museum on the verge of celebrating its 25th anniversary. The museum was one of four projects selected with a budget under $15 million, along with seven other structures whose budgets were between $15 million and $75 million, and over $75 million. With curved glass and arching copper walls, the awe-inspiring museum was built for $1.8 million in 2006.
The HHRC is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan organization. Through their outreach program, the Center offers numerous free opportunities for Mainers to learn about the Holocaust. Workshops and seminars are available for teachers, photographic exhibits are available for loan to galleries, and speakers are available for students, church and community groups. Also, the museum presents four scholarships and awards annually to high school students and deserving community members.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to offer our sincerest congratulations to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine for their recent recognition, to which we say, Mazel Tov. May their remembrance of history continue to grow and educate future generations for years to come.
For more information on the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine please visit their website: www.hhrc.uma.edu.
And for a complete list of the 2009 IDEAS2 winners please visit: www.aisc.org/content.aspx?id=536
