The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced today that it has received a major grant from the New York City-based Skirball Foundation. The gift of $1,500,000 will support Freedom Center programs and exhibits and also support the Partnership for Human Freedom, an initiative to raise public awareness of slavery in the world today.

The museum’s third-floor changing exhibit space, totaling 3,000 square feet, will be permanently designated the “Jack H. Skirball Gallery,” in honor of Jack H. Skirball (1896-1985), an ordained rabbi turned award-winning Hollywood movie producer and distinguished philanthropist. A graduate of Cincinnati’s Hebrew Union College in 1921, Jack and his brother William established the Skirball Foundation in 1948. It has grown into a major philanthropic institution supporting education, culture, the arts, and other causes.

“This is a momentous day for the Freedom Center,” said Donald W. Murphy, CEO and President. “The Skirball Foundation’s extraordinary gift will enable the Freedom Center to create dynamic, relevant programming and new exhibits, many of which will be presented in the Jack H. Skirball Gallery.”

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