Telling Our Stories – Then and Now
The Enduring Story of Jewish Hartford
Explore the rich history of the Jewish community and its values, from early immigrants to local heroes. We collect, protect and share primary sources to bring to life the stories of Jewish leaders and everyday people who arrived as refugees and immigrants, built vibrant communities, worked for a more just society and strove to make life better for themselves, their children and others.
“When I was a child of immigrant parents, you taught me English. You helped me overcome fears.”
Mrs. Max Zietz
Search Our Archival Collections
Browse collection descriptions and finding aids documenting the people, families, synagogues, businesses, and organizations that have shaped Jewish life in Greater Hartford.
Our catalog serves as a searchable guide to the materials held in our physical archives. While most collections are not yet available digitally, we are continually expanding access to digitized materials as part of our ongoing preservation efforts.
Events
November 19, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Newcomers to Nutmeggers
Join us at the Connecticut Museum of Culture & History, One Elizabeth Street, Hartford for a panel discussion on the factors that brought Central and Eastern European Jews to Hartford, the communities they built and their effects on Hartford and Connecticut.
Panelists: Amy Weiss, Director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford; Mary Donohue, West Hartford Town Historian and Jennifer Klau, Executive Director of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford.
December 10, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
The Life & Legacy of Abraham Greenberg in Farmington
Farmington Public Library, 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington. Abraham Greenberg was a Cantor and farmer whose property eventually became the UCONN Health Center. We'll look at what brought him to Connecticut from Europe, how he combined two disparate occupations and the development of the Farmington Jewish community over the years. Registration via Farmington Library, link TBA.
Our Sunday Brunch Was a Big Success!
Our 80 or so guests enjoyed a delicious brunch catered by The Crown Market and had a lively time listening to Bruce Levin describe his adventures transporting a Sephardic Torah from its original home at the now-shuttered Temple B'Nai Israel to his current synagogue outside Chicago. The drive was a spiritual one, fueled by Chinese food and reflection on the still-relevant lessons imparted by Bruce's late father, Al.
The NB natives in attendance delighted in catching up with their old neighbors and friends while the next generations appreciated the close bonds formed at Hebrew school and sports fields that endure to this day.
Tapestry of Memories: Oral and Written Narratives of Jewish Hartford
Thank you to those who joined us at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History on March 26th for our presentation. The memories you shared and the questions you asked added to this project. We will keep you updated on our progress as we prepare the exhibit that will accompany the plaque in its new home and the dedication event to celebrate.
As requested, here is a photo of the stone with the English names. Please let us know if you know anyone from these families!
Left Column
Gershon Levine
Eliyahu (Elijah) Chaim Nirenstein
Jacob Bermant
Moshe David Farber
Michael Suisman
Moshe Elder
Jacob Meyer Cohen
Abraham Sefirah
Shaul Dovbear Slonim
Zvi Hirsch Gross
Right Column
Ephraim (Frank) Finkelstein
Shmuel (Sam) Levy
Shaia D. Tulin
Shlomo Antupitsky
Jacob Shenkar
Joseph Beatman
Isaac Cohen
Baruch (Barrett) Seltzer
Joseph Shmuel Hallstein
Yehuda Saltsky
Oral History Collection
This collection comprises interviews conducted by staff and volunteers of the historical society from 1968 to the present. The collection documents the Jewish community in Greater Hartford and the central Connecticut region.
Exhibitions
Explore our rotating exhibitions that bring Connecticut Jewish history to life. From archival displays at our West Hartford offices to traveling exhibits shared throughout the region, JHSGH creates engaging experiences that preserve and celebrate the stories, culture, and contributions of Jewish communities in Greater Hartford. Visit our exhibitions page to see what's currently on display and learn about upcoming shows. READ MORE
