Previous Exhibitions
The Other Side of the Curtain: Soviet Jews Create New Lives in Richmond, Virginia
Beginning in the late 1970’s, and continuing from the late 1980’s through 2001, the Richmond Jewish community united to help Jews from the former Soviet Union adjust to their new lives in America. A broad coalition of organizations, synagogues and volunteers raised funds, donated a great deal of time and provided support for the acculturation of these New Americans. Original documents, photographs and artifacts illustrated personal accounts of their lives behind the Iron Curtain, their experiences, impressions and expectations upon arriving in Richmond and their reflections after 25 years or more.
This exhibition was the final component of “Draw Back the Curtain”, a multi-year project created through the generosity, cooperation and coordination of the University of Richmond, Jewish Family Services, the Richmond Jewish Foundation, University of Richmond Hillel and the Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives. Exhibitions at the University of Richmond, a symposium held on campus and the documentary film “Draw Back the Curtain” were all part of the project.
Click on the thumbnail image on the right to view a pdf of the exhibit brochure.
The Entertaining Mrs. Calisch
This mini-exhibition focused on the extraordinary career of Edith Lindeman Calisch. From the 1940’s through the 1960’s she was a wife and mother, the drama and movie critic for the Richmond newspapers and , in her spare time, the lyricist for songs composed by musician Carl Stutz. Two of their biggest hits were the award-winning “Little Things Mean a Lot,” sung by Kitty Kallen and “Th
e Red-Headed Stranger,” made famous by singer Willie Nelson.
Click on the thumbnail image to the right to view a pdf of the exhibit brochure.
Answering the Call: Prayer, Patriotism, Service & Sacrifice
With a history of devotion to freedom, Jewish Richmonders responded to times of crisis with prayer and a patriotic spirit, knowing they would be called to serve and to make sacrifices along with their fellow citizens. As civilians or on active duty, they stepped forward to protect and defend the blessings of liberty and freedom both at home and abroad.
This exhibition opened in August of 2006 and was dedicated in honor and in memory of Charles Millhiser, II, pictured during a radio broadcast on Armed Forces Network in 1943.
Click on the thumbnail image to the right to view a pdf of the exhibit brochure.
