About Us
Who We Are
Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives is Richmond's museum of Jewish history, art and culture. It is located in the Fan District of Richmond, in a 20th century row house, just east of the sanctuary building for Congregation Beth Ahabah.
Kahal Kadosh (k.K.) Beth Shalome (Holy Congregation, House of Peace) was the first Jewish Congregation in Virginia and the sixth in the United States. It was founded in 1789 in Richmond. K.K. Beth Ahabah (House of Love) was founded in 1841. The two congregations consolidated in 1898. Beth Ahabah preserved the histories of both congregations, and established an Archives committee in the 1950's. Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives was formally established in the late 1970's. It now interprets the history of the entire Jewish Community of Richmond through its archival collection and public exhibitions.
Our Mission
The Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives collects, preserves, and exhibits materials that relate to Jewish history and culture - with particular emphasis on Richmond, Virginia - so that Jewish history and culture may be documented, interpreted and passed on to future generations.
Officers and Board of Trustees
Jennifer Lange, President
Cathy Rolfe, Secretary
Mark Novey, Treasurer
Woody Beach
Renate Forssmann-Falck
Judy Malloy
Craig Rudlin
Richard Samet
Tony Wharton
Lisa Kaplan, Past President
Contact Us
Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives
1109 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220-3700
(804) 353-2668
William Obrochta, Executive Director
Shelly Berger, Collections Manager
Tracy Herman, Educator
