Phoenix Builds New Education Center with Survivor, 100

At 100 years old, Oskar Knoblauch stood proudly among the steel beams rising in downtown Phoenix. He was watching his personal history transform into a powerful beacon of hope for the next generation.

Construction teams are building the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, a landmark 31,000-square-foot facility near the Burton Barr Library. When it opens in fall 2027, the three-story space will be Arizona's first institution fully dedicated to preserving survivor memories and educating youth.

Oskar survived brutal slave labor during World War II and lost his father just months before liberation. For decades, he has dedicated his voice to speaking at schools and ensuring young minds understand the value of tolerance.

Now, his personal testimony will anchor one of the core exhibits inside the new structure. Visitors will journey through six curated spaces, beginning with the warm atmosphere of a Jewish family's dining room before moving through interactive history galleries.

Project chairman Steve Hilton championed the project to honor his own father, Sam, who survived five concentration camps. Hilton realized the community needed an engaging, modern venue to help children truly grasp these crucial human lessons.

Arizona passed a state law in 2021 requiring middle and high school students to study the Holocaust and other genocides. This purpose-built space provides educators with a vibrant hub to meet that standard with depth and care.

A standout feature of the building is the innovative "Upstander Lab" occupying an entire floor. This interactive area empowers visitors to connect historical lessons with modern actions, teaching students how to dismantle prejudice and speak up for others.

Educators and museum leaders project that more than 50,000 students and community members will visit each year. The team designed every square foot to foster open dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect.

Why This Inspires

Oskar shows how an unwavering sense of purpose can turn past hardships into a lifelong mission of goodwill. Rather than looking back with despair, he channels his centenarian energy into shaping thoughtful, kindhearted young leaders.

His deep commitment provides living proof that personal testimony creates lasting empathy in ways textbooks simply cannot replicate. Oskar already plans to stand at the doorway to welcome the very first school group through the finished building.

The project demonstrates how a passionate community can unite to build safeguards of compassion for our shared future. Every corner of the new center invites visitors to transform from quiet bystanders into courageous defenders of human dignity.

Oskar’s bright resilience guarantees that the lessons of history will inspire generations of young people to choose love over hate.