Update on memorial programs for slain Holocaust Museum officer

June 12, 2009 11:31 AM

Because I have received so many comments and condolences from Metafilter members since the shooting at the Holocaust Museum on Wednesday, I wanted to let everyone know about and the Museum's plans to honor the slain officer, Stephen Johns.

The Museum has reopened today after being closed yesterday in honor of Officer Johns, who was a beloved member of our security force. Our flags will fly at half-staff for one week, then will be presented to his family. Special comment books are being provided at the Museum for members of the public to record their thoughts, and flowers and other items left on the grounds by well wishers are being photographed and collected. The Museum is developing plans for a more permanent way to honor Officer Johns.

A memorial fund will be established by the Museum for the officer's family. I will update this thread as soon as I have more information about how to contribute, as several Mefi members have asked about it already.

posted by arco to MetaFilter-Related at 11:31 AM (53 comments total)

On a personal note, I think I have responded to everyone who sent me messages over the last 48 hours; if I missed anyone, please accept my apologies. I truly, genuinely appreciate your notes and well-wishes. It really means a lot to me that so many people took the time to write me personally, and I'm even more gratified by the outpouring of condolences for Officer Johns and his family. The Museum is a extraordinary place to work, not just for the importance of our mission but also the remarkable dedication of all staff members. "Big John" will be sorely missed by all of us.
posted by arco at 11:31 AM on June 12, 2009 [5 favorites]

Thanks for this arco, I know you've been in the thoughts of many of us over the past few days.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:53 AM on June 12, 2009

I sorry for Officer Johns and his family, that this happened where you work, and such an institution was dishonored. I don't have more to say.
posted by cjorgensen at 11:58 AM on June 12, 2009

Thanks for the update. What a terrible event, and what a needless tragedy. My best wishes go out to you and the others at the museum, and my sincerest condolences to Officer Johns and his family. I am very pleased to see he is being honored by the museum, although not surprised.
posted by Astro Zombie at 11:59 AM on June 12, 2009

Thank you for this, arco. Most tragedies in the news remain just that for a day or so -- tragedies in the news, soon forgotten. I'm so grateful in this particular instance that we have someone there who can help this sad story transcend the "just news" barrier, if that makes any sense. I really, really appreciate your post.
posted by shiu mai baby at 12:08 PM on June 12, 2009

I often have to stand out in front of the USDA Forest Service HQ waiting for a Metro Bus heading over the 14th street bridge. The buses are 45 minutes between, so if I don't time myself right I have a long wait. Rather than stand there looking like a glowering moron, Il often head on into the museum to see what is going on in the temporary exhibition halls. The guards have always been extremely friendly, respectful, and just generally nice guys. They open the door for me, ask me how I'm doing (in a genuine way), help me take off or put on heavy coats and bags etc. as I go through the metal detectors. As a Federal employee acustomed to the usual gruff pat-downs entering most buildings in this town, it the way those ladies and gentlemen have treated me has always been very dignifying.

Rumor has it that Officer Johns was heading over to hold the door for the elderly assailant when he was murdered. In my experience with them, that seems entirely plausible.

Thank you arco for keeping us updated and I'm glad to hear you are OK.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:17 PM on June 12, 2009 [1 favorite]

Thank you, arco.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:17 PM on June 12, 2009

Thanks, arco.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:19 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you, arco. I'm awfully sorry this happened. I've been on jury duty for a few weeks, going through a courthouse security setup a few times a day, and since the shooting I've been think a lot about the officers who work the security station, and about Officer Johns especially. He sounds like a wonderful man.
posted by rtha at 12:32 PM on June 12, 2009

Slain officer remembered as a 'gentle giant'
posted by netbros at 1:27 PM on June 12, 2009

One of his last acts was reaching out and opening the door for the man who shot him, police said.

I just find this part so utterly heartbreaking.
posted by Astro Zombie at 1:46 PM on June 12, 2009 [12 favorites]

Thank you for the update, arco. You and your coworkers have been in my thoughts since this tragedy. And I will say this: I'm going to be in DC for a conference next month and this terrible incident has cemented my plans to make sure I get to your museum, even if I have to skip out to do it. Thank you all for fighting the good fight.
posted by sugarfish at 1:46 PM on June 12, 2009

arco, thanks for the update. My 14-year-old daughter asked about you--guess I've made enough references to you and your job over the years. I can only imagine how upsetting this would be; I know it would be for me, if something like that happened at my work place. You're in my (and my daughter's) thoughts.
posted by MrMoonPie at 1:49 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you, arco.
posted by graventy at 1:57 PM on June 12, 2009

A fitting tribute, arco. Hang in there. My thoughts are with you all.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 2:00 PM on June 12, 2009

Adding my voice to the chorus of thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear there are plans for a memorial fund for Officer Johns's family. Keep taking care of yourself, arco.
posted by scody at 2:03 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you.
posted by ersatzkat at 2:14 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you for posting this. I'm so sorry for you and everyone else at USHMM. Be well, and please let us know if there's anything we can do.
posted by orrnyereg at 2:15 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by ocherdraco at 2:23 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by dhartung at 2:29 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by pinky at 2:59 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you for the update.
posted by Forktine at 2:59 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 3:01 PM on June 12, 2009

arco, thank you for this thread. It's so damn sad that this happened. I am touched to hear that the museum is a place of community and not just a workplace for you guys. This is something I hoped was true; thanks for confirming it.
posted by heyho at 3:18 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by Inspector.Gadget at 3:37 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you, arco.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:03 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by dunkadunc at 4:35 PM on June 12, 2009

Arco, thanks for the update. My condolences to Officer Johns' family.
posted by zinfandel at 4:56 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:07 PM on June 12, 2009

I didn't realize one of MeFi's own was affected directly. Condolences, arco & fellow staff.
posted by five fresh fish at 5:19 PM on June 12, 2009

I'm so sorry for your trouble. This whole awful thing has been heavy on my mind. I hope you know there are a ton of people out here thinking of Mr. Johns and his family and friends.
posted by Divine_Wino at 6:04 PM on June 12, 2009

Thanks, arco. All the best to the staff and Officer Johns' family.
posted by educatedslacker at 6:11 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by bitterpants at 6:42 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you for this post, arco. I'm so terribly sorry for these dreadful events, and for the lost life of your colleague. My thoughts are with his loved ones, and my condolences go out to you all.

Please know that countless people are grateful for your work, for your dedication, for the heavy but noble task of telling history's many stories, even in the face of opposition or hate.

A museum is the closest thing I have to a holy place, and I am horrified that anyone could so desecrate that nobility.

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To any outside readers unfamiliar with Metafilter's conventions: the single periods you see in this thread signify a moment of silence; it is intended as a respectful observance of a life lost.
posted by Elsa at 7:12 PM on June 12, 2009

five fresh fish: "I didn't realize one of MeFi's own was affected directly. Condolences, arco & fellow staff."

Me neither. So sorry, arco & friends. :(
posted by IndigoRain at 7:39 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you for keeping us updated, arco - I know you and the Museum staff are in all of our thoughts.

My mother and I went to a different holocaust museum about a month ago, and wondered at all the security there. It's heartbreaking to now see why that sort of thing is necessary, but I'm glad there are people dedicated to protecting these museums and making them available to the public.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 8:06 PM on June 12, 2009

thirding the "finding out about Arco being a Mefi" vibe here.

We're all here for you and the other staff at the museum. Thank you for keeping up posted.

What keeps me sane around this sad event is knowing that the assailant is one lost soul, engulfed by people like Arco and others who are bringing peace and patience into the world every day in the smallest ways imaginable.

Be well.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 8:08 PM on June 12, 2009

By the way - I noticed on the US Holocaust Memorial Museum website, you can now make a contribution to the USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund. (Follow the link on the page.)
posted by Solon and Thanks at 8:13 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by OolooKitty at 8:27 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by twirlypen at 8:35 PM on June 12, 2009

Thank you, arco. God bless.
posted by yhbc at 9:28 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by gomichild at 10:00 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by edgeways at 10:04 PM on June 12, 2009

Thanks, arco and condolences to you and the rest of the staff, as well as the family of Officer Johns. Sorry times, indeed.
posted by Lynsey at 10:28 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by gudrun at 11:49 PM on June 12, 2009

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posted by DreamerFi at 3:49 AM on June 13, 2009

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posted by dg at 4:33 AM on June 13, 2009

As Solon and Thanks linked above, the special fund for Officer Johns' family has been established at the Museum. Checks payable to "USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund" may be mailed to:

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW
Washington DC 20024

You may also contribute by calling toll free 877-91USHMM (877-918-7466), or by following this link.
posted by arco at 6:13 AM on June 13, 2009 [3 favorites]

Thanks so much for taking the time to let us what's up. I'm sure it's really not the highest priority right now, so thanks. I will be making a contribution today.
posted by Joseph Gurl at 7:29 PM on June 13, 2009

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posted by mustard seeds at 9:45 PM on June 13, 2009

Loving thoughts to you arco and condolences to the friends and family of "Big John". May he rest in peace.
posted by nickyskye at 11:44 PM on June 14, 2009

Thank you arco - I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm publicizing that link - I hope his family will be well cared for.
posted by jasper411 at 9:01 AM on June 15, 2009

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posted by Scoo at 6:52 AM on June 17, 2009