Saint John Historical Jewish Museum Turns 25

The Saint John Historical Jewish Museum has opened its doors to visitors once again for the summer. This year's season will feature five new exhibits: Packing for the Voyage, The Jewish Way of Life, Celebrating 150 Years of Jewish History in Saint John, Under the Chuppah - Jewish Weddings in Saint John, and Old Judaica.

The new exhibits feature everything from vintage wedding gowns to ancient Israeli lamps, urns and bowls. Curator Katherine Biggs-Craft said to Shalom Life, "The exhibits in the building allow us to explain the Jewish way of life, including life cycle events and holidays, to our visitors and also to share the rich history of the Jewish community in the city." Biggs-Craft says that the Under the Chuppah exhibit is one of the locals' favourites. She said, "The exhibit which our visitors find most impressive is our exhibition on Jewish weddings – the elegance of the eight wedding dresses in the exhibit and the beauty of the room."

Since its first summer season in 1986, the Saint John Historical Jewish Museum has represented the small community in New Brunswick. Biggs-Craft said Jewish families have shrunk from 200-300 in the early days to just under 30 families today. However, the museum continues to represent and "share the story of the community."

In 2008, it relocated to a heritage home in the Saint John uptown area and its plans have not stopped there. By the next spring the museum will launch a partnership with the Canadian Heritage Information Network to celebrate 150 years of Jewish history in New Brunswick. The Museum will also launch education kits and a virtual tour for students.

For more information visit, the Saint John Historical Jewish Museum.