Current Exhibits

The Samuel Meyer Store at 1319 Hull Street in 1918

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

Minding the Store: Richmond's Jewish Merchants

“Minding the Store” explores the growth of Richmond’s Jewish merchants as they changed from peddlers to shopkeepers, and as their stores grew from dry goods to department stores, later moving to suburban locations, and now to the internet.  Many of the merchants included have names that are easily recognized today, such as Padow, Thalhimer and Schwarzschild.  Others are names from an earlier time, such as Cohen, Gunst, Lapkin and Rothenberg.  Memories of shopping in Richmond come back to life, and we see that today’s Jewish merchants continue to contribute to the fabric of our community.  Because of space limitations, not every business could be included.  Contemporary business owners are encouraged to bring a business card, which will be placed on a map in the exhibition.  You can “Tell Your Own Story” by sending personal comments and recollections to BAMA@BethAhabah.org.  These stories will be added to the Archives and to the exhibition

---

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.

---

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.

<< Back to top

Archives >>