Holocaust Museum Houston established the Guardian of the Human Spirit award in 1997 as a platform for acknowledging dedicated Houstonians who have worked to enhance the lives of others and to better humankind.

Barbara and Gerald Hines

Proceeds from our annual luncheon presentation of this award are used to continue the Museum's worldwide educational programming and its policy of free admission to the general public seven days a week so that there is never a financial barrier to anyone interested in learning the lessons of the Holocaust.

The 2009 honorees were philanthropists Gerald and Barbara Hines, with luncheon chairs John and Brenda Duncan. 

Barbara and Gerry Hines have a long history of philanthropy in Houston and around the world. Along with his real estate firm, Gerald Hines has supported numerous educational institutions, including the Gerald D. Hines School of Architecture at the University of Houston, the Yale School of Architecture, Purdue University’s Sustainable Buildings Technology Lab, Reading University in the United Kingdom and the Urban Land Institute’s ULI/Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition.

Barbara Hines has championed the fight against cancer-assisting agencies such as M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Hala Comprehensive Breast Clinic in Jerusalem. She is also a tireless supporter of Jewish nonprofit agencies including Houston’s Aishel House and the Aspen Chabad. The Hineses have quietly but significantly supported many of Houston’s medical, civic, religious and cultural charities – including Holocaust Museum Houston.

Previous Honorees:

• Marc J. Shapiro
• Lester and Sue Smith
• Sandra Weiner and Martin Fein
• Naomi Warren and Fred Zeidman
• Joan and Stanford Alexander
• Ed Wulfe and H-E-B 
• Jack Blanton and The Houston Chronicle
• Linda P. Lay and Siegi Izakson
• The Rev. William A. Lawson and Julie and Ben Rogers
• Ron Stone