JHSFC Archive Experience
On March 12th, the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County welcomed community leaders for immersive tours of its Stamford Archives, inviting them to become “Archivists for a Day” at what was billed as a kick-off event for the organization’s 40th (Ruby) Anniversary.
Two dozen guest “archivists” were invited to examine select artifacts, documents, books, photos and videos from the JHSFC’s steadily expanding collection of 10,000+ primary-source materials, under the guidance of Special Projects Coordinator Debra Emery and Leah Tillman, PhD, the volunteer archive administrator. Participants included representatives of the UJF of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Services of Fairfield County, Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, Stamford Jewish War Veterans, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, Congregation Agudath Sholom, Temple Beth El, Temple Sinai, and several members of the JHSFC Board.
The attendees were warmly greeted by Board President Peter Lilienthal, who urged them to “spread the word” about the recurring Archive Experience Tours.
Highlights of the tour:
- One of the visiting “archivists,” Chris Maroc of Stamford, was delighted to unearth a photo of his grandfather, the author Rex Stout, creator of the Detective Nero Wolfe mystery novels.
- Stamford resident Jeff Lewis pointed out a picture of his grandfather, Isaac Davidoff, dedicating the old JCC building on Prospect Street.
- Following the tour, Agudath Sholom’s Rabbi Daniel Cohen returned to review information on Rabbi Joseph Ehrenkranz, and to deliver materials from the synagogue’s own archives to be digitized.
- Sharon Lewis, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the UJF, stopped in to sift through documents and photos related to that organization’s upcoming 50th anniversary.
- Vivien and Cindy found ration food stamps Jews used during WWII among other artifacts in one of the Holocaust boxes.
If you would like to be invited to our next Archive Experience, schedule a tour or volunteer please email info@jhsfc-ct.org or call the JHSFC at 203-359-2159.
