U.S. Jewish Museums: Building Bridges, Crossing Boundaries
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Authors
Chanoff, Lisa K.
Issue Date
2007
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to analyze and describe the current stage in the evolution of Jewish Museums in the United States. I focused on exhibitions and programs to determine what stories Jewish museums are telling (and not telling), how are they telling them, and to whom they are targeted. Through this analysis, I provide a framework for Jewish museums to consider how their exhibitions and programs can best meet their vision and the needs of their communities.
This project examines the history of U.S. Jewish museums, how and why they developed, and the historical, cultural and political needs they have addressed. It also examines Jewish museums today through a broad overview of the diversity of Jewish museums across the country, and through profiles of selected individual institutions. The history of Jews in the United States is reflected in the history of U.S. Jewish museums. As such, I believe the current state of the U.S. Jewish community is relevant to the role of Jewish museums today. I therefore examined current issues of American Jewish identity and affiliation, as well as recent U.S. Jewish population studies.