About
The Washington State Jewish Historical Society (WSJHS) preserves and shares the history of Jewish life in Washington. Through stories, educational resources, and community connections, the Society highlights Jewish experiences, culture, and contributions while helping ensure that this history remains accessible for generations to come.
Since 1968, WSJHS has been dedicated to preserving this history and connecting our community to its Jewish heritage. In 2026, WSJHS joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, marking a new chapter in that ongoing work. Explore our history and learn more about our mission, programs, and commitment to preserving Washington's Jewish community.
Our Origins: Preserving Jewish Heritage Since 1968
The Washington State Jewish Historical Society traces its roots to 1968, when a group of community volunteers launched the Seattle Jewish Archives Project (SJAP) through the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Their goal was to collect and preserve the stories, documents, and records of Jewish life in the region.
To ensure the safety and accessibility of these materials, SJAP partnered with the University of Washington Libraries' Special Collections. This collaboration laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected Jewish historical archives in the country.
In 1981, SJAP became an independent nonprofit organization. With this transition came a new name—the Washington State Jewish Historical Society—and a broader mission: to discover, document, and share the full scope of Jewish history across Washington State.
In 2026, after more than four decades of operating as an independent nonprofit, WSJHS joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle to continue its mission of preserving and sharing the history of our community. Click here to learn more about the integration.
Our Team
Meet the passionate team preserving and sharing Washington’s Jewish history.
Hannah Peters (she/her)
Hannah serves as the first Jon & Bobbe Bridge Director and leads the WSJHS in its' mission to preserve and present the Jewish history of Washington State, past and present. She has a background in social work and earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. Hannah has spent her entire career working at nonprofits in the greater Seattle area in direct-service, programmatic design, and leadership capacities. Her previous work has helped her develop a deep understanding of the core functions that keep a nonprofit operating from day to day.
Lisa Kranseler (she/her)
Lisa believes that we make history every single day. And, she has produced programs and exhibits that celebrate that history. Lisa loves all the amazing connections and unique history of the Jewish communities in Washington State. With degrees in Accounting from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters of Science in Taxation from the Bentley Graduate School of Business, and a Museum Studies Certificate from the University of Washington, Lisa brings a mixture of business acumen and museum science to this position.
Sha'Niya Black (she/her)
Sha'Niya serves as the Digital Curator at WSJHS, where she manages the digital museum and curates content for the organization. She began her journey with WSJHS as an intern, focusing on the histories of Washington’s Asian American-Pacific Islander and African American communities for the Confronting Hate Together exhibit. Sha'Niya earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Washington in 2021. She has a strong academic and personal interest in contemporary American history, particularly social and political movements.
Sara Mottaz (she/her)
Sara supports the Washington State Jewish Historical Society's oral history program by coordinating interviews and community events. She manages and supports program volunteers as they conduct interviews and create transcripts. Her job includes organizing mobile recording and historical programs that celebrate the Jewish history of Washington state. Originally from the Cleveland area, Sara has lived in Seattle for over 30 years. When not at work, she enjoys watching her daughter's sports teams, volunteering with the Girl Scouts, and needlepoint.
Our Sponsors
