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.
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 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.
Stay Connected with WSJHS
News, updates, and community—all in one place
Stay connected with WSJHS by signing up for our mailing list and connecting with us on social media! 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.
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 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.