Telling the stories of the Holocaust educates and inspires South Australians to stand up against antisemitism and racism, and actively contribute to a fairer, just and more compassionate world.
Our vision
We tell stories of the Holocaust to educate and inspire South Australians to stand up against antisemitism and racism, and actively contribute to a fairer, just, and more compassionate world.
Our mission
The museum’s education programs, exhibitions and collections motivate visitors to develop ethical values and active citizenship, encouraging action against antisemitism and other hate.
Our history
The Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre was launched in November 2020. AHSMEC is located within Fennescey House, a heritage building owned by the Catholic Archdiocese adjacent to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, with generous support by way of a peppercorn leasing agreement.
The vision of Andrew Steiner OAM, Holocaust survivor, artist, historian, and self-funded Holocaust educator for over 30 years in South Australia provided the starting point for the Adelaide Holocaust Museum.
With his late wife Helen, Andrew founded the Remember the Holocaust Compassion for All Foundation to establish a capital fund for the development of the museum. Principal Partner Gandel Foundation provided the lead capital pledge to fund the design, fit-out, and curation of the first permanent exhibition. The capital campaign attracted over $400,000 from a combination of philanthropic funds and individual donations. The establishment of the museum ensures that Holocaust education will continue throughout South Australia for years to come.
The museum has an obligation to preserve Holocaust history to educate future generations through programs that instil human rights and develop ethical and social awareness of young people and the wider community.
The Adelaide Holocaust Museum invites visitors to engage with themes from the Holocaust and their continuing relevance in contemporary society through the core exhibition, travelling exhibitions, local Holocaust survivor stories as well as education and public access programs.
Our home
Fennescey House has been closed to the public from mid-2024 for significant internal works designed to expand the Museum’s footprint and improve visitor experience. The Education Centre officially re-opened in early 2026 for education groups, with purpose-built facilities and double the capacity of the previous education space. When the Adelaide Holocaust Museum re-opens to the public in spring of 2026, visitors will have access to both the ground and first floors, with modern galleries and greatly improved accessibility.
With the generous support of the Catholic Archdiocese, the Adelaide Holocaust Museum is housed in Fennescey House at 33 Wakefield Street, Adelaide. This State heritage-listed building is located in the grounds of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. Prior to becoming the museum, Fennescey House accommodated Centacare Catholic Family Services.
Fennescey House first opened in 1941 as the Catholic Church’s Education Offices. The building is named after its patrons, husband and wife John and Mary Fennescey, two of the Adelaide Archdiocese’s most generous benefactors. They donated £20,000 towards its construction. It was designed by local architect Herbert Jory (1888-1966) in the Gothic Revival style.
John Fennescey (1866-1948) and Mary Jane Fennescey née Hanrahan (1878-1946) were both children of Irish migrants who had grown up on the Yorke Peninsula near Wallaroo. A successful farmer by the time they married in 1904, John had already established himself in the industry, while Mary had begun purchasing commercial properties and engaging in charitable works for the Catholic Church. Over time, John inherited his six brothers’ farms. Realizing that they would have no children of their own, the Fennesceys decided to help the then impoverished Catholic Church in South Australia. In the 1920s, they sold nearly all their country properties and retired to Glenelg. For the next twenty years, they continued to donate large sums of money to the Adelaide Diocese for buildings and land in both the suburbs and the city.
Our Staff
Annetay Henderson-Sapir
Chief Executive Officer
Driven by a passion for social justice and equity, Annetay has had a diverse career across three continents and both the public and private sectors. Her previous roles include Deputy Director of Cabinet Office, Director of Governance for TAFE SA and Director, Advisory at BDO in Adelaide.
Annetay holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a double major in English and Women’s Studies and a minor in French, as well as a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies, and a Diploma in Project Management.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Annetay has served on not-for-profit boards for more than a decade. She currently serves as Chair of the Jewish Community Council of South Australia, the peak body of Jewish organisations in South Australia. In 2024, she was honoured with the Vatik Award from the Union of Progressive Judaism to recognise her service to the Jewish community and broader community.
Elspeth Grant
Education Manager
Elspeth brings a depth of experience to the museum, having previously served as Manager of Ayers House Museum and as a Curator at the Migration Museum, where she worked with Mr Andrew Steiner OAM on the temporary ‘Remember the Holocaust’ exhibition.
For the last twelve years, Elspeth has taught in a variety of school settings. Elspeth cares deeply about students having scope to engage with challenging aspects of our past and present, and supporting fellow educators to guide this learning. A nationally certified Lead Teacher, Elspeth has undertaken a Churchill Fellowship to study reviving learning about state and territory perspectives under the national history curriculum.
Her education includes a Diploma in Business Management, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a double major in History and English, and a Master of Teaching.
Pauline Cockrill
Curator
Pauline is an experienced museum curator and freelance researcher/writer in both the UK and Australia. For the last decade, she has been Community History Officer at the History Trust of SA, working with numerous South Australian community history groups as well as curating several travelling exhibitions.
She has travelled widely, visiting many museums worldwide including Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem and other Holocaust and Jewish museums in both Australia and overseas.
Pauline holds an Honours degree in Art History, a Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies and MA in Digital Heritage (University of Leicester, School of Museum Studies, UK). She is passionate about social justice and the role of museums as agents of change.
Louis Gillespie
Office Manager
Louis joined the Adelaide Holocaust Museum team in September 2024, bringing a strong foundation in organisational management, clear communication, and creative problem-solving. Raised in the Jewish community of Adelaide, Louis values connection and understanding.
With a background in forensic chemistry and a Master of Teaching, he approaches his work with a unique ability to simplify complex tasks, streamline processes, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Louis is passionate about fostering efficiency and collaboration. From managing day-to-day operations, to coordinating team projects, his focus is always on creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve their goals. His keen attention to detail and ability to think on his feet ensure that no challenge is too big to tackle.
Dana Urban-Alazraki
Educator
Dana is a qualified art teacher and experienced caregiver, passionate about working with young people and individuals with special needs. With a strong belief in the power of empathy, communication, and respect, she brings warmth, creativity, and dedication to every learning environment.
A third-generation Holocaust survivor, Dana feels a deep personal connection to Holocaust education. In light of recent global events, she sees it as both a privilege and a responsibility to help young people engage meaningfully with this history.
Known for her compassion and energy, Dana is committed to making the world a kinder place. As a facilitator of change and a team player, she strives to create spaces where understanding and well-being can flourish.
Our board
Greg Adams
Chair
Greg Adams has decades of experience as a senior manager and director within the public and private sectors. He specialises in strategic project, people and financial management in leading agile business units to exceed expectations within large organisational frameworks.
Holding a Bachelor of Laws and a background in digital technology, Greg focuses on a holistic approach to integrate technology within the humanist experience. He has worked with some of South Australia’s largest cultural institutions and has particular acumen in balancing commercial and public purpose outcomes.
Greg’s governance interests encompass board service in the arts industry, particularly supporting local companies. He is a member of the Beit Shalom Synagogue since 2012 and also serves on the boards of Jewish Community Services, Jewish Community Council and Chamber Music Adelaide.
He is acutely aware of the weight and privilege born by the custodians of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum to preserve and convey the stories of the past for future generations.
David Lipschitz
Treasurer
David has served as Treasurer of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum since 2023. Professionally, he is the Managing Director of Logic Finance, a brokerage firm he founded in 2005. His focus, discipline, and commitment to clients are strongly shaped by his service in the Army Reserves, where he currently holds the rank of Colonel.
In addition to his role at the Adelaide Holocaust Museum, David sits on several not-for-profit boards and committees and is involved in other business ventures.
Outside of work and board commitments, David enjoys spending time with his wife Alissa and their two daughters, Maya and Arielle. A fitness enthusiast, he has just completed his second marathon.
Andrew Steiner OAM
Board Member and Educator
Andrew Steiner OAM is a Holocaust survivor, born in Budapest in 1933, who survived the Shoah in hiding. He later pursued studies at the University of Adelaide, focusing on Modern European History, Political Science, English, and Art, with a major in sculpture.
A past President of the South Australian Royal Society of Arts, he is also featured in the Eminent Australians collection at the National and State Libraries. For the past 30 years, he has been teaching about the Holocaust at South Australian secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
In recognition of his contributions to art and history, Andrew was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2017. A 2010 Human Rights Awards National Finalist, he is also a member of Beit Shalom Synagogue.
Nicola Zuckerman
Board Member
Nicola Zuckerman has a Bachelor of Law with Honours obtained from the University of Adelaide. She also has a Bachelor of Arts, and an Honours Degree in History. She was inaugural Chair of the Adelade Holocaust Museum.
Nicola works as a lawyer for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (SA). Nicola is also a member of Beit Shalom Synagogue and has been a member of its Board of Management.