• The Most Entertaining Telling of Jewish History... in history

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Jewish Museum of the American West

– A Virtual Museum – Only on Your Computer

Western States Jewish History Association

The Western States Jewish History Association (WSJHA) is dedicated to the discovery, collection, and dissemination of items and information pertaining to the Pioneer Jews of the American West, and how and why they were so successful.

In 2013, WSJHA launched the Jewish Museum of the American West to tell the story of Jewish participation in the development of the American Wild West.

We are a California non-profit and a 501(c)(3) organization. We exist by DONATIONS only, which are gratefully accepted. Please send to:

Western States Jewish History

2733 Lavender Street

Pomona, CA 91767

Jewish Museum of the American West consists of ever-expanding Exhibition Halls for regions, states, and cities West of the Mississippi River that were considered a part of the American Wild West.

Each Exhibition Hall features that area’s early Jewish Pioneers and their families, how they got here, and what they were able to accomplish.

Jewish numbers were large — often 5% to 10% of the population in larger Western settlements and cities — at a time when Jews made up less than 1% of the total U.S. population.

Theirs is a story of importance for every Jewish adult and child, and,  just as important, for the general public.

 

Importance for Everyone

This is the story of what happened when a group of people, persecuted for 2,000 years, was let loose in a vast new area — the American Wild West — where virtually no one cared about their religion, and where they were free to explore seemingly endless avenues to make a living and raise their families.

 

The Wooden Beam Across the Top of the Page

To get started, click on an item on the Wooden Beam or a link below.

Why the Jews: A short essay explaining how the early Jewish history in the American Wild West was unique.

Exhibition Halls: Each area of the West has its own Exhibition Hall. Exhibits of more Pioneers are added to each of these Exhibition Halls as we or you create them.

Indexes: Much of the material for our exhibitions comes from articles published in Western States Jewish History during the past 50 years. Indexes list People, Places, and Special Editions of our Journal that are available for reading and research.

Submissions: You can help create an Exhibit for a Jewish Pioneer, Jewish Organization, or Synagogue of the West. There are no fees for this.

Donations: This is the only way the museum is able to operate. We hope you will join us as Members.

Contact Us: We need your information, ideas, corrections, and your family stories!

Western States Jewish History

Western States Jewish History, the academic journal of the Western States Jewish History Association & Jewish Museum of the American West, is now being published by Texas Tech University Press (TTUP).

Visit the TTUP website for subscription and  submission information, or email us at JMAWcurator@gmail.com.