Heller Heritage on the Green will pay tribute to the esteemed legacy of Mayor Max Heller and his wife, Trude Heller for their profound contributions to, and affection for, the arts, culture, community, and education in Greenville.
About Max & Trude Heller
A series of miraculous events while fleeing persecution during the Holocaust led Max and Trude to Greenville, where the community welcomed them with open arms. Max and Trude built an inspirational life in Greenville. After a successful business career, Max served on the Greenville City Council followed by two terms as Mayor of Greenville. While Mayor, Max spearheaded the revitalization of downtown, worked to improve the quality of low-income housing, and desegregated City Hall. He also served as Chairman of the State Development Board, bringing industry, jobs and hope to his beloved city and state. Trude was a Holocaust educator, speaking to youth and adults in schools, churches, and civic clubs. Trude’s age-appropriate telling of her harrowing experience always delivered the same messages: respect others and stand up for what you believe. Throughout their lives, Max and Trude made profound contributions to the arts, creating the foundation for a culture in Greenville where their impact continues today.
About Heritage Green
Heritage Green is an urban arts and cultural campus located on College Street. Heritage Green is home to: Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Hughes Main Library of the Greenville County Library System, Greenville Theatre, Sigal Music Museum, Greenville County Museum of Art and Upcountry History Museum.
Permanent and semi-permanent exhibits include:
An interactive garden at the Children’s Museum in honor of Trude Heller, who was devoted to educating Children.
An exhibit showcasing Max and Trude's papers and historical artifacts at the Upcountry History Museum.
Elements on the walkable path connecting the entities of Heritage Green include:
Beautification of the walkway with vibrant plantings of trees and flowers, along with colorful mosaic steps.
A musical art sculpture.
Seating areas for contemplation, adorned with quotes from Max and Trude Heller.
A permanent art display featuring letters sent to Trude Heller from children who heard her speak about her experience in the Holocaust.
Heller Heritage on the Green is a tribute to Max and Trude's love for our city’s arts and culture, and this meaningful initiative will continue the legacy of their impact on our community.
Advisory Committee
Susan Shi, Chair
Community Leader
Betty Farr, Honorary Co-Chair
Community Leader
Dick Riley, Honorary Co-Chair
Community Leader
Francie Heller
Heller Daughter
Susan Heller Moses
Heller Daughter
Lynne Garfinkel
Heller Granddaughter
Lauren Luneckas
Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Dana Thorpe
Upcountry History Museum
David Sims
Sigal Music Museum
Max Quinlin
Greenville Theatre
Beverly James
Greenville County Library
Russell Stall
Greenville City Council
Minor Shaw
Community Leader
Chandra Dillard
SC State Representative
Liz Seman
Greenville County Council
Tracy Ramseur
Cultural Arts Manager City of Greenville
Nicole Wood
Greenville County Assistant County Administrator
Fundraising Committee
Susan Shi, Chair
Community Leader
Francie Heller
Heller Daughter
Susan Heller Moses
Heller Daughter
Lynne Garfinkel
Heller Granddaughter
Courtney Tollison Hartness
Furman Professor
Ed Good
Community Leader
Frances Ellison
Community Leader
David Ellison
Community Leader
Laura Marchant Williams
Marchant Real Estate
Russell Stall
Greenville City Council
Minor Shaw
Community Leader
Michelle Shain
Community Leader
Nancy Cooper
Community Leader
Nicole Wood
Greenville County Assistant County Administrator
Art Committee
Tracy Ramseur
Cultural Arts Manager City of Greenville
Jessie Amos
Director of Brand and Communications
at The Children’s Museum
Kerry Murphy
President & CEO of Artisphere
Heller Heritage on the Green is administered by the Community Foundation of Greenville.
Thank you for supporting this meaningful initiative that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our community. The committee is currently seeking individual donors and corporate partners.
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If you’re interested in partnering with Heller Heritage on the Green for fundraising efforts, please email us.