Museum of Jewish Heritage

The Museum of Jewish Heritage, a living memorial to the Holocaust, is dedicated to the preservation of Jewish culture and history. Located in New York City, the museum serves as a place for reflection and education about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the enduring legacy of Jewish heritage. Founded with the mission to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust, the museum offers a range of exhibitions, events, and educational programs. Its permanent collection features artifacts that tell the story of Jewish history, faith, and culture. One of the museum's notable resources is JewishGen, an affiliate of the museum since 2003 and a significant tool for Jewish genealogy. JewishGen provides a platform for individuals worldwide to research their Jewish family history and heritage. It is an essential resource for those looking to connect with their past and understand their ancestry. The museum also houses the Benjamin and Vladka Meed Registry of Holocaust Survivors, a resource of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This national database documents the lives of survivors who relocated to the United States and other countries after World War II and includes over 200,000 records related to survivors and their families. Understanding the importance of preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors for future generations, the Museum of Jewish Heritage created the Heritage Testimonies program. This initiative ensures that the experiences of survivors are passed down through their descendants, maintaining the narrative of the Holocaust as a vital historical lesson. The museum's exhibitions are designed to engage visitors with the Jewish experience. Current and past exhibitions include "Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark," "The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do," "The Garden of Stones" by Andy Goldsworthy, and "Survivors: Faces of Life After the Holocaust." These exhibits not only honor the memory of those who suffered but also celebrate the resilience and contributions of the Jewish community. In addition to its role as a museum, the Museum of Jewish Heritage engages in various educational activities, including professional development for educators, partnerships with schools, and the development of curriculum lesson plans. It also offers group tours, self-guided virtual tours, and a speakers bureau to further its educational outreach. The museum's leadership and staff are committed to its mission, with a diverse team guiding its operations, collections, and programs. As part of its community engagement, the museum provides a space for events and is affiliated with JewishGen, furthering its reach in the field of Jewish genealogy and heritage. The Museum of Jewish Heritage stands as a testament to the resilience of the Jewish spirit, a beacon of education, and a guardian of the memories that shape our understanding of history. Through its commitment to education and remembrance, the museum ensures that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire future generations.