Construction Commenced on Atlantic City Boardwalk Holocaust Memorial

Construction officially began on the Atlantic City Boardwalk Holocaust Memorial, marking a significant step in a long-anticipated project dedicated to remembrance and reflection. On June 5, 2025, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Holocaust Memorial Committee, with the support of Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and the City of Atlantic City, held a groundbreaking ceremony at the project’s oceanfront location.

The Department of Public Works began removing boards from the designated site shortly before the ceremony, signaling the start of physical work on a vision that had been in development for years. This memorial aims to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, ensuring that their stories endure and that history is never forgotten.

The site, located at the Roosevelt Pavilion on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is designed to invite quiet contemplation. The setting was selected for its visibility and serenity, providing an ideal space for individuals and families to sit on provided benches and engage in solemn remembrance.

The design of the memorial focuses on themes of remembrance and hope, incorporating architectural and symbolic elements intended to provoke thought and emotion. As visitors take in the ocean view, they will be encouraged to consider the resilience of those who suffered unimaginable atrocities and the importance of standing against hatred in all forms.

This project has been a collaborative effort, uniting city officials, local leaders, and community members under a shared commitment to education, reflection, and human rights. The support from Mayor Small and his administration has been instrumental in moving the project from concept to reality.

Community response to the beginning of construction has been one of support and solemn gratitude. Many residents see this as not just a memorial, but as a necessary and meaningful public space that speaks to the importance of acknowledging history’s darkest chapters.

As the build progresses, the memorial is expected to serve both as a historical landmark and an educational site. Its presence on the Boardwalk ensures that thousands of annual visitors will have the opportunity to engage with its message.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk Holocaust Memorial is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2025, with an official dedication ceremony expected to follow. Once complete, the site will stand as a lasting tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the necessity of remembering the past.

The start of construction represents more than just the physical development of a space; it symbolizes a community’s promise to preserve memory, promote peace, and ensure that future generations continue to learn from history.

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Photo Credit: Ed Lea / City of Atlantic City