Inside the Bikur Cholim synagogue, when empty.

Inside the Bikur Cholim synagogue

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

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. 

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Stay connected with WSJHS by signing up for our mailing list! Be the first to hear about upcoming events, new exhibits, oral history releases, and ways to get involved. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, our updates will keep you informed and inspired.

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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

Courtesy of UW Special Collections
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.

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Behor “Benny” Condiotti

Behor “Benny” Condiotti

Courtesy of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society
Discover Seattle’s Sephardic Story: A Guided Walking Tour

The Seattle Sephardic Walking Tour, offered by the Seattle Sephardic Network in partnership with the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, explores the rich history and culture of Seattle's Sephardic Jewish community. The tour features community members as guides who share their personal stories and experiences.

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Samuel Nahmias, right, and daughter Margie (late 1930s).

Samuel Nahmias, right, and daughter Margie (late 1930s)

Courtesy of UW Special Collections
Shalom! Sefarad

Shalom! Sefarad is a collaborative project of WSJHS and the University of Washington León Center. This exhibit was created to introduce Seattle's Sephardic life continues to flourish in the diaspora more than 500 years after Jews were expelled from Spain

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Agents of Change group photo, 2018.

Agents of Change group photo, 2018

Courtesy of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society
Agents of Change: 20 Remarkable Jewish Women of Washington State

This exhibit features women who have made their mark in a wide array of fields, including arts, activism, athletics, education, business, diplomacy, law, politics, religion, and philanthropy. Agents of Change shows the breadth and depth of the contributions Jewish women are making every day in our state and our world.

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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.