The Capital Jewish Museum explores the intersections of Jewish identity and participation in civic life in the nation’s capital from the 1850s to present. We seek to collect documents, photographs, and 3D objects that help tell the story of the Jewish community of Greater Washington (DC and suburbs). Our ultimate goal is to have a collection that accurately reflects the community it claims to represent. In order to do so, we especially need your help filling gaps in our collection.
Collections relating to these communities:
● Jews of Color
● Sephardic Jews
● Ethiopian Jews
● LGBTQ Jews
● Interfaith Families
● Orthodox Jews
● Northern Virginia Jewish Community
● Jewish Veterans
Collections relating to these themes/subjects/events:
● Jewish political memorabilia
● Participation in democracy in the region (Protest, Lobby, Vote, Journalism, Run for
Office)
● Local business ran/owned by your family
● Significant events in DC (major protests, 1968 riots, home rule, inaugurations)
The Capital Jewish Museum actively accepts archival material and artifact donations that fit our mission and further our educational goals. While we wish we could collect everything related to the local Jewish community, our small size and limited budget restricts our ability to collect. Please note what we can and cannot accept as archival donations.
Types of materials we collect:
● Photographs (print, digital, slides, negatives)
● Documents
● 3D Objects
Types of Materials we do not collect:
● Artwork
● Textiles (clothing, linens, etc.)
● Copies of original materials
History is happening now. It is often difficult to step back and see the wider picture,
but our experiences in this pandemic are a moment in history, and one we must preserve.
In the midst of this crisis, synagogues post updates about closures and re-openings,
rabbinical councils issue guidance, and social media posts respond to illness, injustice, and unemployment.
Much of this will be lost if we don’t retain a record.
Thus, we have partnered with George Mason University in creating American Jewish Life
as a part of the new Pandemic Religion digital archive. We invite you to share materials
that exemplify your personal experiences, or that document your community’s activities
and responses to the pandemic.
American Jewish Life collects images, videos, audio files, texts, and more. Explore the digital archive
and share your own experience using the button below.