Traveling Exhibits
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.
Passport to Washington (2016)
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.
Shalom! Open for Business (2016)
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.
Who is Minding the Store (2009)
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.
Dolls for Democracy (2009)
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.
Six-Generation Family Trees (2008)
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.
The Musical Legacy of Samuel E. Goldfarb (2006)
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.