The Alabama Holocaust Education Center (AHEC) first organized in 2002 as the Birmingham Holocaust Education Committee (BHEC), an all-volunteer sub-committee of the Alabama Holocaust Commission (AHC). The initial organizers included community volunteers, educators, and survivors who recognized the need for more Holocaust education in our community. The organization functioned primarily through outreach, and development was driven by the passion and dedication of its volunteers along with tremendous support from the community. Bayer Properties generously provided a home for the organization since its inception.
In 2011, the organization changed its name to the Birmingham Holocaust Education “Center” (BHEC) to better reflect an identity unique from the AHC, and by 2014, the organization filed for its own 501c3 status and hired its first full-time, paid employee.
In 2022, the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center (BHEC) changed its name to the “Alabama” Holocaust Education Center (AHEC) to better reflect is commitment to providing educational outreach throughout the state of Alabama. It also moved to a permanent location at 2100 Highland Avenue, Suite 101, enabling us to further our mission to teach about the history and lessons of the Holocaust.