30th Anniversary Guardians Commemorative Book - Book - Page 150
ENCOURAGING
INVOLVEMENT
William J. Lowenberg,
a vice chairman of
the Museum, always
wanted to give back
to America because, as a Holocaust
survivor, he was afforded the
opportunity to live out the American
dream. That hope came alive
when he was able to participate in
creating the United States Holocaust
Memorial Museum. Bill was able to
build on the work of the Museum
from his home in San Francisco by
promoting its work and by speaking
to students about surviving the
Holocaust. Bill was a legend among
his peers and students alike for his
candid speaking and passion on
behalf of Holocaust education.
Next to his family, the United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum was
Bill’s proudest accomplishment.
The Museum’s stellar reputation
for its work in the United States
and around the world gave Bill
immeasurable pride and joy. Bill
was especially moved each time he
saw the huge numbers of students
in the Museum and their response
148 l UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM LEGACY OF LIGHT GUARDIANS
to the engaging exhibitions built
especially for young people. Bill
encouraged everyone he knew to
visit the Museum, especially his
children and grandchildren.
In his heart, Bill knew that by
sharing his story with his family, no
matter how harrowing it was, he
was creating an intergenerational
knowledge that would serve to
honor his parents, sister, and all
his relatives who perished in the
Holocaust. Additionally, he knew
that his children and grandchildren
would be motivated to continue
passing down the family stories—
so critical to his belief that we
must never forget. He inspired his
children and his grandchildren—the
third generation—to learn about
and understand the Holocaust, so
that they can continue the work he
began when he first became involved
with the Museum. It is in honor of
our father, Bill, and with love and
gratitude, that we make this gift so
that the Museum can continue its
important research and education
about the Holocaust.”
