National Museum of American Jewish Military History facts for kids
 |
|
 |
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Established | September 2, 1958 |
|---|---|
| Location | 1811 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-1603 |
| Public transit access |  Dupont Circle |
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH) opened on September 2, 1958. It is located in Washington, D.C.. The museum's main goal is to show and keep alive the stories of Jewish Americans who served in the military. It teaches people about the bravery and sacrifices these individuals made for the United States.
The museum is part of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV). It shares a building with the JWV National Headquarters. This building is at 1811 R Street NW, in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. The NMAJMH is also a member of the Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium. This group helps promote museums that are not on the main National Mall.
Contents
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has two floors filled with exhibits. Some exhibits are always there, while others change over time. The museum also sends special displays to other places across the United States.
Inside the Museum
Besides the exhibits, the museum has a special chapel. It is called the Captain Joshua L. Goldberg Memorial Chapel. There is also a Study Center. This center is used for talks and other special events. The museum also has an Honorial Wall and a Tree of Honor. These are special memorials. They recognize people and groups who support the museum's mission.
Research and Archives
The NMAJMH also has a large collection of historical items. These are kept in its archives. People can use these archives to learn more about Jewish Americans in the military. The collection includes old photos, letters, and diaries. It also has military records and other important papers. You can also find materials about the history of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. here.
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 the new building to have a special memorial. This memorial would honor Jewish American veterans.
Early Days and Growth
The plan was to create a place for records and items. These would show the history of Jewish service in the American military. It would also be a living tribute to the patriotism of American Jews. In 1954, the Jewish War Veterans bought a building. It was at 1712 New Hampshire Ave NW in Washington, D.C. They moved their headquarters there. They also opened the National Shrine to the Jewish War Dead.
Becoming a National Museum
On September 2, 1958, the Shrine became the Jewish War Veterans of the USA National Memorial, Inc. This happened after the U.S. Congress gave it a special charter. The museum and the JWV moved one last time in 1983. They bought the building at 1811 R Street NW. The new building was officially opened in 1984. Then Vice President George H. W. Bush was there for the dedication.
Fighting Prejudice
One important goal of both the JWV and the NMAJMH is to fight against prejudice. This includes false ideas that Jewish people are less patriotic. The museum shows the long and honorable history of Jewish people serving in the American military. This history goes all the way back to the American Revolutionary War and continues to today.
Museum Exhibitions
The main exhibit at the museum is called Jews in the American Military. It covers the entire history of Jewish service. This includes everything from the early colonial times to the present day.
Permanent Exhibits
Some exhibits are always on display. These include:
- The Hall of Heroes: American Jewish Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor
- Major General Julius Klein: His Life and Work
Special and Traveling Exhibits
The museum also features special exhibits that change. Some past and present special exhibits have covered topics like:
- 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
The museum also has 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
