FIU, Jewish Museum of Florida create historic partnership

MIAMI, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Jewish Museum of Florida, a historical museum located on Miami Beach, has become part of the FIU family through a gift that will create a unique partnership. The Museum will now be known as the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU (JMOF-FIU).

FIU's Board of Trustees voted June 29 to approve the gift, which will leverage the resources of both institutions, igniting a new era of interdisciplinary education, research and outreach focused on the history of the Jewish experience in Florida and issues of discrimination against all peoples in Florida throughout history.

Authorization to use JMOF-FIU as a special purpose center is still pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors.

This hallmark gift includes two adjacent Art Deco buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as The Museum's historical collections, research library, endowment and other assets. 

"There's an immense richness of research housed within The Museum that explores 250 years of Jewish art, culture and history," said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. "Through this generous gift, FIU will expand our reach into the South Florida community, helping to preserve an important part of our history while enhancing the global learning experience we offer our students."

A key component of the academic plan for the JMOF-FIU is the relocation of a variety of programs, including the Judaic Studies Program, to The Museum's facilities. The plan also includes the expansion of academic programs and research endeavors about the challenges of the immigrant experiences shared by all ethnicities in the state of Florida.

"Our synergy and mutual commitment to exploring the richness and diversity of Jewish life in Florida makes this a perfect match," said Jo Ann Arnowitz, executive director and chief curator of The Museum.

"The addition of The Museum is a perfect complement to the work being done in our School of International and Public Affairs," said FIU College of Arts & Sciences Dean Kenneth G. Furton. "Combining our expertise in the social sciences as well as the humanities, we're creating deeper conversations about history, culture, religion, literature, political science and international relations."

For more information and to see photos of the JMOF-FIU please visit http://news.fiu.edu/2012/07/fiu-jewish-museum-of-florida-create-historic-partnership/42041.

Media Contact:
JoAnn Adkins
305-348-0398 or
Maydel Santana-Bravo
305-348-1555
News.fiu.edu

SOURCE Florida International University