National Museum of American Jewish Military History facts for kids
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| Established | September 2, 1958 |
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| Location | 1811 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-1603 |
| Public transit access |  Dupont Circle |
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH) is a special place in Washington, D.C.. It was created on September 2, 1958. Its main goal is to show how Jewish Americans have helped keep the United States safe and free.
The museum teaches everyone about the bravery and sacrifices of Jewish Americans. These are people who served in the U.S. military. The museum is run by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV). You can find it in the Dupont Circle area. It's in the same building as the JWV's main office.
The NMAJMH is also part of a group called the Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium. This group helps people discover museums that are not on the famous National Mall.
Contents
Discover What's Inside
The museum has two floors filled with interesting exhibits. Some exhibits are always there, and others change over time. The museum also sends special displays to other places across the country.
Learning and Remembering
Besides the exhibits, there's the Captain Joshua L. Goldberg Memorial Chapel. There's also a Study Center where the museum holds talks and special events. The Honorial Wall and Tree of Honor are places to remember people and groups. They honor those who support the museum's mission.
A Treasure Chest of History
The NMAJMH has a huge collection of historical items. These archives are a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more. They hold original photos, letters, diaries, and military records. These items show the history of Jewish service in the American military. The archives also keep records about the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
How the Museum Started
The idea for the museum began in 1951. Paul Ginsberg, a leader of the Jewish War Veterans, suggested moving their main office to Washington, D.C. He also wanted a special memorial for Jewish American veterans. This memorial would keep records and items about Jewish people in the military. It would also show the patriotism of American Jews.
Finding a Home
In 1954, the Jewish War Veterans bought a building in Washington, D.C. They moved their headquarters there. They also opened the National Shrine to the Jewish War Dead in that building.
Becoming a National Museum
On September 2, 1958, something big happened. The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Shrine. It became known as the Jewish War Veterans of the USA National Memorial, Inc. This was made official by Public Law 85-3, HR 109. The museum and JWV moved one last time in 1983. They bought a building at 1811 R Street NW. Vice President George H. W. Bush officially opened the new building in 1984.
Sharing Stories of Service
One important goal of the museum is to fight against prejudice. It helps show that Jewish Americans have always been loyal to their country. Through its exhibits and archives, the museum shares stories. It highlights the long and honorable service of Jewish people in the American military. This history goes all the way from the Revolutionary War to today.
Explore the Exhibits
The main exhibit is called Jews in the American Military. It covers the entire history of Jewish service in the U.S. military. This includes everything from the early colonial days to the present.
Permanent Displays
- The Hall of Heroes: American Jewish Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor
- Major General Julius Klein: His Life and Work
Special Exhibitions
The museum often has special exhibits that change. Some past and present topics include:
- Jewish War Veterans' Protest March Against Nazi Germany - 75th Anniversary
- Hidden Treasures: Selections from Our Permanent Collection
- Rescue & Renewal: GIs and Displaced Persons
- Women in the Military: A Jewish Perspective
- A Mother's Grief
- An American, A Sailor and A Jew: The Life and Career of Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy, USN (1792–1862)
- Gold Star Mothers, Wives and Sisters
- Jewish Americans in Military Service During Vietnam
Traveling Exhibits
The museum also creates exhibits that travel to other places. Some of these have been:
- GIs Remember: Liberating the Concentration Camps
- Candid Moments in the Military
- Salute to Jewish Military Chaplains
See also
- Jewish American military history
- Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
- Naval Academy Jewish Chapel
- Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum
- Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center
