Updated: 1/28/2016 
Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington
Washington, District of Columbia
Description

We are the region's foremost destination and source for American Jewish history. We engage and inspire adults and children through our exhibitions, landmark historic synagogue, public programs, and educational initiatives. We collect, preserve, and share material culture that documents the story of the Jewish community in the Washington, D.C., region as a lens through which broader national and international history may be explored.

Mission

We explore the unique Jewish heritage of Washington as a hometown and as the nation's capital.

History

Founded by volunteers in 1960, the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington was incorporated in 1965 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to interpreting Jewish history in the greater Washington area. In 1969, galvanized by the pending demolition of the oldest synagogue building in the nation's capital, Society members arranged for the historic building to be moved three city blocks to its present location (more photos of the move!). After extensive restoration, the synagogue was rededicated and opened to the public as the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum in 1975.

Research Collections

The Society's collections trace the history of the Jewish community in the greater Washington, D.C., area from the mid-19th century through the present day. Through personal and family papers, organizational and business records, congregation and synagogue archives, historical photographs, oral histories, ritual objects, and a reference library, the collections document the unique nature of life in and around Washington, D.C.: a history that is local, national, and international.

Programs

We offer walking tours, youth education programs (https://www.jhsgw.org/education/programs), exhibition tours, and other special programs. The upcoming calendar can be found at www.jhsgw.org/programs

Library

Access: General Public

Appointment required: True

Services
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours
DISCLAIMER
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

March 29 - 31, 2025

Athens, Ohio

North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

March 30 - 31, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

March 31 - April 3, 2025

Washington, Arkansas

New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

April 5 - 8, 2025

Ithaca, New York

Nebraska Museum Association 2025 Conference

April 6 - 8, 2025

United States

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