Preserving Jewish History in Washington State
The Washington State Jewish Historical Society (WSJHS) began in 1968 as the Seattle Jewish Archives Project, a grassroots effort to collect and preserve the stories of local Jewish life. Partnering with the University of Washington Libraries, these archives became one of the premier resources for Jewish historical research in the region. In 1981, the organization became an independent nonprofit, expanding its mission to include exhibits, programs, and community projects that highlight the vibrant contributions of Jews across Washington State—past, present, and future.
Oral Histories
Oral History Spotlight
Stella DeLeon
Stella DeLeon recalls growing up Jewish on Rhodes and the 1944 deportation of nearly 3,000 Jews by the Germans. She describes her imprisonment in Auschwitz, Dachau, Bergen-Belsen, losing family, her liberation in 1945, and rebuilding her life in the U.S.
Twenty Years of Jewish Storytelling
Memory, Identity, and Experience
Presented by WSJHS, Twenty Years of Jewish Storytelling is an exhibit celebrating two decades of history, preservation, creativity, and community impact under longtime Executive Director Lisa Kranseler. Curated as Lisa’s legacy project, it brings together highlights from exhibits, public programs, oral histories, and publications documenting Jewish life across Washington state, while also showcasing the growth of the Washington Jewish Museum.
Tributes
Create a Tribute That Lives On
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month and in celebration of the leadership and dedicated service of long-time Executive Director Lisa Kranseler, we invite you to create a personalized tribute that tells a story, honors a memory, or shares your appreciation. If you’d like guidance or support in creating your submission, please view this example and contact us at info@wsjhs.org for further assistance. We look forward to seeing your meaningful contributions!
WSJHS Testimonials
Contribute Your Story to the Collection
WSJHS is dedicated to preserving the oral histories of Washington’s Jewish community. One way you can participate is by recording a short testimonial using TheirStory, a digital oral history platform. WSJHS has a few active testimonial links with instructions as well as prompts provided on the side of your screen that can be used to guide you as you share your story.
Nominate a Narrator
Help Us Find Our Next Narrator
Know someone with a meaningful story to tell? Help us preserve their voice for future generations. When you nominate a narrator, your suggestion will be added to our "prospective narrators" list. Please note that making a suggestion here will not guarantee that we can provide an interview for your nomination, but all requests will be considered in accordance with our current curation plan.
Sign up for the WSJHS Mailing List
Join Our Community and Stay Connected
Stay connected with WSJHS by signing up for our mailing list! Be the first to hear about upcoming events, new exhibits, oral history releases, and ways to get involved. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, our updates will keep you informed and inspired.
America 250
Connecting Jewish Washington to Their Shared History
In 2026, the U.S. will mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, a milestone for reflection on our history and future. America 250 offers Washingtonians a chance to connect with history and understand our democratic principles.
WSJHS is proud to join America 250 by highlighting how Jewish history has shaped Washington. Explore how we’re collecting stories, building connections, and inviting you to be part of the celebration.
WSJHS Archive & Digital Museum
Washington State Jewish Archives
The collections of the Jewish Archives are physically housed in the Special Collections Division of the University of Washington Libraries. The Jewish Archives are a collaborative project between the UW Special Collections and WSJHS.
Digital Exhibits & Collections
The Washington Jewish Museum is the first of its kind in Washington State, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Jewish life in the region. It explores the community’s past and present through oral histories, photographs, and archival materials. As an online platform, it honors the stories, memories, lives, and events that continue to shape Jewish identity and experience in Washington.
Stories of Jewish Washingtonians
This collection showcases the lives and experiences of Jewish Washingtonians whose stories have significantly contributed to shaping the state's landscape. Each profile offers a personal window into the individual's life, delving into their family, work, resilience, creativity, and connections across generations. Explore these individual journeys to discover the diverse voices that make up Jewish Washington’s story.
Podcasts
WSJHS has produced a variety of podcasts and special one-off episodes over the years, many of which complement our exhibits. Throughout our website, you’ll find links that connect you directly to these episodes, making it easy to explore the stories behind our collections. Each podcast offers unique insights, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and a chance to dive deeper into the topics that interest you most.