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National Museum of American Jewish History

The National Museum of American Jewish History, on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.

Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. NMAJH was originally founded by the members of historic Congregation Mikveh Israel, which was established in 1740 and known as the "Synagogue of the American Revolution".

The Museum has long been a vital component in the cultural life of Philadelphia. During the course of its history, NMAJH has attracted a broad regional audience to its public programs, while exploring American Jewish identity through lectures, panel discussions, authors' talks, films, children's activities, theater, and music.

The Museum has displayed more than a hundred exhibitions in its first three decades-plus of existence. As the repository of the largest collection of Jewish Americana in the world, with more than 30,000 objects, NMAJH has developed extensive institutional experience in preservation, conservation and collections management supporting the fulfillment of its mission to preserve the material culture of American Jews.

NMAJH is proud to be a Smithsonian Affiliate. The Museum has access to the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources, permitting it to borrow artifacts from the Smithsonian’s estimated 142-million-piece collection – from colonial Judaic artifacts and historic documents to fine art and objects of contemporary significance – to be shown as part of special exhibitions or to be incorporated into our core exhibition. This affiliation also allows the Museum to take advantage of the Smithsonian’s educational resources and expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care and exhibit development for both staff training and consultation. The National Museum of American Jewish History is able to call upon Smithsonian experts to present programs on behalf of the Museum, as has already been done with great success. Members have the opportunity to become Smithsonian Affiliate members at a minimal additional cost.

How to get there

Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street/Independence Hall or Routes 17, 33, 38, 44, or 57.

Fare

There are many ways to get here on SEPTA, there are also many ways to pay. Click here to learn which fare is best for you.

Hours

Hours and admission info here.

Upcoming Local Happenings

Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent

Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates the often-unsung women of American history with a slate of special programming, including pop-up art-making activities and screenings of theatrical performances telling the life stories of women like Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who sued for her freedom (and won) and Rebecca VanDike, one of the earliest women to ever vote in America. Don’t miss the museum’s newest exhibit Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent, which highlights the stories of several women who helped to shepherd the revolutionary relic through history, including George Washington’s wife Martha and her great-granddaughter and Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s wife, Mary Curtis Lee. Get there on SEPTA. Short walk from Jefferson Station or ride SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street/Independence Hall Station. Bus Routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 48, 57, and 121 also stop near the museum. Get $2 off admission when you flash your SEPTA Key card!

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Women's History Month

Betsy Ross House

What would Women’s History Month be without one of Philly’s most notable women? Learn more about Betsy Ross and other trailblazing Philadelphia women at the place where it all started. Read about their month-long programming here! Short walk from 2nd Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line or hop Routes 17, 33 or 48. Get $1 off general admission with this Perk!

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The Lehman Trilogy

Arden Theatre

The Lehman Trilogy is on stage at the Arden Theatre Company from 3/7 thru 4/14. So easy to get here on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street or Routes 5, 17, 33, 48 or 57.  Before you go - check out this Perk - it will save you $10!

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BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical

Walnut Street Theater

See BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical at the Walnut Street Theater from 3/26 thru 5/5. Get there on SEPTA. Take Regional Rail to Jefferson Station or Bus Routes 9, 12, 21, 38, 42, 47, 47M, or 61.

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