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.
Steeped in Stories
An Exhibit Celebrating Two Decades of History
May 17th, 2026 | 3-5:00 PM | Bellevue, WA
Registration opens in March 2026.
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month and commemorating the leadership and service of long-time Executive Director Lisa Kranseler.
Stay in the loop—join our mailing list or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Questions? Email info@wsjhs.org
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.
Your tribute can include photos, GIFs, and other meaningful media—make it creative, heartfelt, and uniquely yours. If you’d like guidance or support in creating your submission, please contact us at info@wsjhs.org. We look forward to seeing your meaningful contributions!
America 250
Connecting Jewish Washington to Their Shared History
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a once-in-a-generation milestone that invites reflection on our nation’s past, present, and future.
Explore this page to learn how WSJHS is engaging with America 250 and how you can be part of this important commemoration.
Oral Histories
Oral History Spotlight
Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Pastor Carey Anderson
Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Pastor Carey Anderson discuss their collaborative interfaith work, which includes shared services. They discuss COVID-19 and the political landscape of the time.
WSJHS 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.
Discover Seattle’s Sephardic Story: A Guided Walking Tour
The Seattle Sephardic Walking Tour, offered by the Seattle Sephardic Network in partnership with the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, explores the rich history and culture of Seattle's Sephardic Jewish community. The tour features community members as guides who share their personal stories and experiences.
Shalom! Sefarad
Shalom! Sefarad is a collaborative project of WSJHS and the University of Washington León Center. This exhibit was created to introduce Seattle's Sephardic life continues to flourish in the diaspora more than 500 years after Jews were expelled from Spain
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.