Current Exhibits

Oil painting (c. 1930) by Sara November titled Entertainer

Please contact the museum for the latest dates and times of opening exhibits.

Jewish Women in the Arts

“Jewish Women in the Arts,” which was originally part of a statewide celebration entitled “Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts,” represents Jewish women’s extensive and varied accomplishments in performing and visual arts in Richmond and beyond. The exhibition includes works from actresses, singers, musicians, photographers, illustrators, authors, composers, knitters, potters, painters, fashion designers, graphic artists, sculptors, patrons of the arts, and art historians. This exhibition hopes to raise the public visibility of the size and scope of Jewish women involved with the arts and the cultural industry of Virginia. The items in the exhibition help to document Jewish women’s roles in Richmond’s artistic and social arenas, and are a representation of early twentieth century works alongside more contemporary items. The exhibition also exemplifies the complex and sometimes tenuous link between Jewish artists, gender, and Judaism. Please join us as we celebrate “Jewish Women in the Arts.”

 

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Commonwealth and Community:
The Jewish Experience in Virginia

This exhibition traces the 400-year history of Jewish presence in Virginia, and includes a copy of George Washington's letter to the Hebrew congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston and Richmond; magnificent silver ceremonial objects; and historical photographs and documents. This exhibition was originally organized by the Virginia Historical Society and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

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Bob Reinhard served in Europe in World War II

Answering the Call: Prayer, Patriotism, Service & Sacrifice

The heroism, devotion and self-sacrifice of members of Richmond’s Jewish community who answered their country’s call in times of war is traced through photographs, documents, medals, uniforms and religious items such as prayerbooks and a portable ark.  As patriotic Americans, Richmond’s Jewish citizens have responded by serving on both the battlefront and the homefront.  Women and men have shared in the successes and sacrifices from the time of the Revolutionary War through many wars and conflicts, including the War of 1812, the Civil War, two World Wars and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait and Iraq. 

Dr. Louis Manarin, former Archivist of the Commonwealth of Virginia, served as Guest Curator.  The exhibition is dedicated in honor and memory of Charles Millhiser II, who was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1926, and then served in the US Army from 1940-1945, completing his service with the rank of Colonel, as Commandant of Camp Hulen, Texas.  Millhiser served also as president and trustee of Congregation Beth Ahabah.  Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives has been approved by the Library of Congress as an official collecting archives partner, in support of the National Veterans History Project.

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