Our Mission
The Washington State Jewish Historical Society's mission is to preserve and present the history of Jewish life in Washington State. The Society fosters awareness and appreciation of the experiences, the diverse culture, and the significant contributions of Jews, past and present. We build bridges with communities by sharing the stories of our collective histories and serving as an educational resource.
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.
Today, WSJHS continues that legacy through exhibitions, educational programs, publications, and its cornerstone Oral History Program—ensuring that the voices of Washington’s Jewish community are preserved for generations to come.
Our Team
Meet the passionate team preserving and sharing Washington’s Jewish history.
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.
Hannah Peters (she/her)
Hannah has a background in social work and earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. She has spent the past five years 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. As a Jewish Washingtonian herself, Hannah brings with her an abundance of empathy, consideration, and passion for the life and well-being of Jews in Washington State.
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)
After taking a short sabbatical, Sara returns to WSJHS ready to go and excited to preserve Jewish history! Originally from the Midwest, Sara enjoys engaging with and learning from Washington’s Jewish community. Sara supports WSJHS with grant writing, planning events, and communications.
Board of Directors
One of our greatest strengths is the active engagement of our Board of Directors, dedicated community volunteers, philanthropists, and leaders who guide our work.
Oral History Advisory Committee
The WSJHS Oral History Advisory Committee is a volunteer group that provides expert guidance to ensure the Oral History Program upholds ethical standards and authentically preserves the diverse stories of Washington State’s Jewish community.
Our Sponsors
