The Upcountry History Museum will open its newest exhibit, "Max and Trude Heller: A Story of Courage, Community, and Coming Home," to the public on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, celebrating the remarkable lives and lasting legacy of two individuals who helped shape Greenville.
The semi-permanent exhibit traces Max and Trude Heller's journey from Austria, where they escaped Nazi persecution, to Greenville, where they became influential civic and community leaders. Through personal photographs, historical artifacts, archival documents and interactive displays, visitors will discover their story of courage, resilience and service. Max Heller served as Greenville's mayor from 1971 to 1979, helping lead the revitalization of downtown, while Trude Heller dedicated much of her life to Holocaust education and community service.
The exhibit marks another milestone in Heller Heritage on the Green, a collaborative initiative bringing together Greenville's Heritage Green institutions to honor the Hellers' contributions to the city's arts, culture, education and community life. The broader project includes the Trude Heller Children's Garden, the Dear Mrs. Heller letter collection, public art installations, and other cultural experiences designed to celebrate the couple's legacy while enhancing Heritage Green for future generations.
Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe Street in Greenville.
For more information about the exhibit, visit upcountryhistory.org. To learn more about the broader initiative, visit hellerheritageonthegreen.org.
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