The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia

‘The Story of Freedom’

At the National Museum of American Jewish History, there’s no better place to tell the story of Freedom than within view of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center. Established in 1976, it’s the only museum in the nation dedicated to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. In 2010, the museum joined the above historical icons at 5th and Market.

The stories of 350 years of American Jewish History live inside this sparkling new building. These are stories of Freedom. Freedom to be accepted as members of society and allowed to practice their religion. It was a desire shared with many of the other early settlers in the New World.

The National Museum of American Jewish History Experience

When approaching the National Museum of American Jewish History, you’ll see 5 floors of this amazing structure, where each floor is dedicated to a wave of immigration and the exhibits are interactive throughout the museum.

Interactive Exhibits Keep Visitors of All Ages Engaged

For example, stand inside the covered wagon in the children’s section of the Westward Expansion area and a recording will tell a story. Children can try on period clothes and see how they’d look as a pioneer child.  There’s a large map on a computer screen that lets you choose which movie you’d like to see. There are comfortable nooks where you can sit and take in a short film.

The 2^nd floor documents Jewish immigration from 1880-1945.  This is probably one of the most familiar stories of immigration.  During this time, 1000’s of Jews fled from Eastern Europe bringing with them only what they could carry.

A surprising number brought samovars with them.  These large metal urns used to heat water for tea for the Shabbat make unwieldy traveling companions.  Yet, they were precious possessions since they made the journey to America.

Entering Ellis Island

No story of American immigration in the late 19^th century is complete without mention of Ellis Island.

When you reach this section, you’re invited to step up to a computer screen and chose one of three people.  Next, you’re taken through the entrance questions as if you were this person.

You see their paperwork, their passport, ship passage and other materials.  You can move them around via touch screen. You’re asked a series of questions from the customs official,  “What’s your nationality, you occupation, your financial situation”?

You’re also asked if you have a job lined up.  Out of the three answers given, one is the right answer (I won’t tell you which).  Get it right and you’re allowed into the country, get it wrong and there may be delays.

You Can Contribute to the Historical Record

The final floor is devoted modern history from 1945 – today.

Photo © Ilana Blumenthal, courtesy of National Museum of American Jewish History

It covers the Civil Rights Movement, Feminism and current events.  They even have sound booths where you’re invited to step in and share your story.

Artifact highlights include Irving Berlin’s piano on which he wrote Alexander’s Ragtime Band and the typewriter Steven Spielberg used for writing Schindler’s List (complete with list).  The museum also has Spielberg’s first video camera which was a Super 8 model, Barbara Streisand’s dress from Yentl and Einstein’s pipe.

The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia tells a sweeping story of persecution, persistence, hope and ultimately freedom in a lively, engaging manner. The museum has so many interesting facts, highlighting different parts of history, that it’s a must see.

Location

101 South Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hours

Tuesday – Friday  |  10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday  |  10:00 am – 5:30 pm

The Museum will be closed to visitors on Mondays, and will be closed all together on Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the first two days of Passover.

Prices

Adults  |  $12
Children Youth (13-21) & Senior Citizens  |  $11
Children 12 – under & Active Military (ID required)  |  Free

You may NOT buy tickets on Saturdays according to Jewish religious law but you may order them ahead of time or buy them at other locations. Details provided on this web-page.  http://www.nmajh.org/visit.aspx

Phone

(215) 923-3811

Web Site

• National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia

Related Articles About Museums in Philadelphia

• Fireman’s Hall Museum
• Franklin Institute
• Mummers Museum
• National Museum of American Jewish History
• National Liberty Museum
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – Fairmount Park, PA
• Philadelphia History Museum aka Atwater Kent Museum
• Please Touch Museum – interactive museum for kids
• Rodin Museum