Anna Borish Lustig standing in front of Borish Dry Goods store, 1702 Yesler Way, Seattle, Washington, 1916.

Anna Borish Lustig standing in front of Borish Dry Goods store, 1702 Yesler Way, Seattle, Washington, 1916

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Traveling Exhibits

Digital and traveling exhibits sharing the legacy of Jewish life in Washington and beyond.

The Washington State Jewish Historical Society proudly presents digital and traveling exhibits that explore the stories, aspirations, and contributions of Jewish individuals and communities across Washington State. These exhibits highlight how Jewish life in Washington has influenced both local and global history. 

Please contact the WSJHS office to learn more or to request an exhibit.

 

Dolls for Democracy

Dolls for Democracy

Courtesy of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society

Dolls for Democracy 

This exhibit consists of a unique collection of dolls, made up of miniaturized three-dimensional portraits of important figures in history. Most were handmade by doll artist Cecil Bullard Weeks from the 1940s through the 1970s. The collection represents many interesting people, including George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Haym Salomon.

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

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

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Shalom! Open for Business 

This exhibit explores the Jewish immigrant experience of building better lives in the Pacific Northwest. Learn stories of the triumphs and challenges faced as these immigrants found their place in a new society. Discover a century of Jewish merchants whose business innovations ranged from selling supplies to Alaskan gold prospectors to establishing businesses that still operate today.

 

Adatto family including children Albert and Emma Adatto in prop automobile in photographer's studio

Adatto family including children Albert and Emma Adatto in prop automobile in photographer's studio

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Six-Generation Family Trees 

Curated under the leadership of Helen Stusser, this exhibit showcased 77 unique family trees—many of which revealed overlapping connections within the community. Displayed at Ezra Bessaroth, the project offered individuals an opportunity to explore their heritage, with exhibit boards designed by artist Denny Warshal.

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

Passport to Washington 

This exhibit captures the stories of Jewish migrations to Seattle. Themes of this exhibit include arts, education, music, food and wine, science and medicine, public affairs, and technology.


 

Samuel E. Goldfarb

Samuel E. Goldfarb

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

The Musical Legacy of Samuel E. Goldfarb 

This exhibit recounts the fascinating life of “Mr. Jewish Music of Greater Seattle.” Samuel E. Goldfarb was a pioneer American Jewish composer and arranger who also served as the Music Director of Temple De Hirsch Sinai from 1930-1967. 

Who's Minding the Store, exhibit photo.

Street View Displayed in the Who's Minding the Store Exhibit

Courtesy of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society

Who is Minding the Store 

This exhibit offers a window into the lives of Jewish merchants in both Pierce and King counties. Many of these pioneers fled persecution in their countries and were drawn to the Pacific Northwest by family, friends, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Highlights of this exhibit include the stories of the Schwabacher Brothers, Jacob Furth, Alfred Shemanski, Adolph Friedman, Isaac Pinus, and Adolph Packscher.