Inside the Bikur Cholim synagogue, when empty.

Inside the Bikur Cholim synagogue, when empty

Preserving Jewish History in Washington State

Celebrating heritage, sharing history, and building community across generations.

The Washington State Jewish Historical Society (WSJHS) began in 1968 as the Seattle Jewish Archives Project, a grassroots effort to collect and preserve the stories of local Jewish life. Partnering with the University of Washington Libraries, these archives became one of the premier resources for Jewish historical research in the region. In 1981, the organization became an independent nonprofit, expanding its mission to include exhibits, programs, and community projects that highlight the vibrant contributions of Jews across Washington State—past, present, and future.

Oral Histories

Oral histories capture lived experiences, preserving cultural memory from one generation to the next. Our collection honors diverse voices and celebrates the traditions, migrations, and resilience that shape Jewish life in Washington. Our digital archive ensures that Jewish voices are preserved and remain accessible, fostering connection, education, and a deeper understanding of Washington’s Jewish history. 

See all oral histories

Step Inside the Story Booth

Hillel UW (11)

WSJHS staff survey students at the UW Hillel, February 2025

The Story Booth is a mobile recording studio that brings private oral history interviews directly to Jewish communities where they live, work, and gather, making outreach and story collection easy and accessible.

Explore the Story Booth

WSJHS Digital Museum

Exterior of Hoffman Cloak & Suit Company with crowd in front, Seattle, 1910

Exterior of Hoffman Cloak & Suit Company with crowd in front, Seattle, 1910
Washington State Jewish Archives

The collections of the Jewish Archives are physically housed in the Special Collections Division of the University of Washington Libraries. The Jewish Archives are a collaborative project between the UW Special Collections and WSJHS.

24th Avenue Market exterior, 2401 Yesler Way, Seattle, 1934.

24th Avenue Market exterior, 2401 Yesler Way, Seattle, 1934

Courtesy of UW Special Collections
Historic Sephardic Seattle

Learn about Historic Sephardic Jewish Seattle through the words of community members who lived, learned, worked, prayed, and played in the Central District.

Seattle Action for Soviet Jewry participants in Freedom Sunday Mobilization for Soviet Jewry rally in Washington, D.C., December 6, 1987.

Seattle Action for Soviet Jewry participants in Freedom Sunday Mobilization for Soviet Jewry rally in Washington, D.C., December 6, 1987

Courtesy of UW Special Collections
Soviet Jewish Experience: Washington State Stories

The Soviet Jewish Experience: Washington State Stories" looks at four Seattleites whose lives were impacted by the Kremlin's restrictive emigration policies prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain. 

Seattle Lodge No. 503, B'nai B'rith, Man of the Year Award presentation at Seattle Center, March 16, 1966.

Seattle Lodge No. 503, B'nai B'rith, Man of the Year Award presentation at Seattle Center, March 16, 1966

Courtesy of UW Special Collections
Stories of Jewish Washingtonians

Gathered here are personal stories, civic achievements, and cultural experiences through photos, audio, and video. This digital space preserves community history while making it accessible and engaging for students, researchers, and the public.

Please Note: Our team is actively working to digitize our content. Check back soon to explore the full collection, and stay updated by joining our mailing list or following us on Facebook and Instagram.