The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors A destination for learning about Jewish history and heritage in New England and beyond. Join us!

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) at New England Historic Genealogical Society is a destination for exploring and preserving the histories of Jewish families and institutions in New England and beyond. The JHC engages historians, genealogists, partner organizations, and the general public in the study of Jewish history, culture, and legacies through its extensive archival collections,

educational programs, exhibits, and public events. It is the only historical center dedicated to, and specializing in, New England Jewish history. Formerly the American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS)-New England Archive, the JHC began a collaboration with the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) in 2010; in 2015, the two entities formalized the partnership by creating the Jewish Heritage Center, with a strengthened mission to enhance Jewish historical and genealogical research and to be a premier site for collection and preservation of Jewish history. In 2018, the center was named for Justin and Genevieve Wyner, in recognition of their longstanding support and advocacy. With the AJHS-New England archive at its center and with new collections being added throughout the year, the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center has more than 2 million records in its archives, and more than 600,000 searchable documents in its digital collections. These physical and digital collections are used by scholars, researchers, and institutions from around the world. The JHC also offers educational programs and public events at its Boston home, in the community, and online. Members have full access to the research websites and libraries of both the JHC and NEHGS, in addition to other benefits.

06/12/2026

Here's an awesome find from the archives... Building 19 Business cards! If any former employees still have theirs, we'd love to see 'em. Thanks to The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors for helping us find this gem.

🔍: Meeting for Jewish People with AIDS, ARC, and HIV Infection Poster, American Jewish Congress New England Region AIDs ...
06/10/2026

🔍: Meeting for Jewish People with AIDS, ARC, and HIV Infection Poster, American Jewish Congress New England Region AIDs Task Force, Boston, MA, 1988. Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston Records (I-220)

🔍: Demonstration for Soviet Jewry led by JCRC and the JCC Soviet Jewry Committee in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, Bo...
06/03/2026

🔍: Demonstration for Soviet Jewry led by JCRC and the JCC Soviet Jewry Committee in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, August 6, 1972. Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston Records (I-123)

Take a trip back in time to celebrate summers at Revere Beach! Join the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center in Revere fo...
06/01/2026

Take a trip back in time to celebrate summers at Revere Beach! Join the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center in Revere for an afternoon of stories, conversation, and history of the Jewish summer community in Revere Beach. This lively event will feature a discussion about the popularity of Revere Beach as a summer destination for the Greater Boston Jewish community in the mid 20th century, opportunities for participants to share memories, and a kosher ice cream social.

This event is for everyone, including:

- Those who grew up going to Revere Beach
- Those with parents or grandparents who went to Revere Beach
- Revere Beach regulars of today
- Those who are interested in learning more about Revere Beach's Jewish history

Register now: https://hubs.ly/Q04jzQp70

🔍: "Peretz Oppenheim Family, Clothing Firm on Washington Street" Boston, MA, 1900. Milontaler Family Papers (P-553)
05/28/2026

🔍: "Peretz Oppenheim Family, Clothing Firm on Washington Street" Boston, MA, 1900. Milontaler Family Papers (P-553)

We had a blast celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month at our Open House! Visitors were able to get up close with mat...
05/21/2026

We had a blast celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month at our Open House! Visitors were able to get up close with materials, chat with archivists about the JHC collections, learn how to preserve their own important items at home, and make papercuts for Shavuot.

It’s not too late to join us at the JHC’s annual Benefit Dinner on June 4, when we will honor Former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky with the 2026 Tzedakah Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more: https://jewishheritagecenter.org/Benefit2026

In the now-available Spring 2026 (Volume 27, Number 1) issue of "American Ancestors Magazine," JHC Historian in Residenc...
05/20/2026

In the now-available Spring 2026 (Volume 27, Number 1) issue of "American Ancestors Magazine," JHC Historian in Residence Madeline DeDe-Panken begins with a single mandolin from the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center archives and uncovers the lives of two women caught up in the “mandolin craze.” Their story reveals how music created connection, creativity, and community for young Jewish women a century ago.

Read the article (members only): https://hubs.ly/Q04hlPyc0

Watch the recording of Madeline's webinar "In Concert: How Jewish Women Built Community Through Music": https://hubs.ly/Q04hlVdB0

Stay tuned 👀
05/20/2026

Stay tuned 👀

05/20/2026

Alright Building 19 fans and former employees, I have a burning question for you. Anyone know what is happening in this photo? Looks like some sort of store event at the South Hingham store. I'm guessing late 70's or early 80's, peak Evel Knievel era. Who's on the bike... and who's under the ramp??

Photo courtesy of the Building 19 records at The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors.

"Prayer is no longer limited to the temple, the synagogue or the Hassidic shul. You will find it, as I did, in the Brigh...
05/07/2026

"Prayer is no longer limited to the temple, the synagogue or the Hassidic shul. You will find it, as I did, in the Brighton apartment of five young men."

🔍: "Jewish renaissance," Eleanor Roberts, Sunday Herald Traveler and Sunday Advertiser (Boston Herald,) Boston, MA, October 22, 1972. Boston University Hillel (JHCI-044)

Address

97 Newbury Street
Boston, MA
02116

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+16172261245

Website

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