R.I. Jewish Historical Association has an eye on the future as it broadens access to the past

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Over the past few years, the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association has made continual efforts to broaden our membership base and give the public more insight into our mission and more access to our archive.  

Last year, we orchestrated our first ever membership drive, and gained 46 new members for 2019. This year, our website, www.rijha.org, underwent a major redesign and is now much easier to navigate. The site highlights “News,” “Digital Archives” and “Research Services,” all of which are updated regularly.

Under Digital Archives, or the Collections tab, you will find copies of various Jewish newspapers published in Rhode Island as far back as 1920. We have also digitized our entire obituary collection, and the website gives instructions on how to search the large database.

“Research Services” is something we have always done for our members, but it is now a no-cost, donation-only service. Our archive, along with the countless resources we have access to online, has provided dozens of people with family histories they never knew existed.

In addition to the website upgrades, we are increasing our programming, starting out in  2020 with a showing of the gripping film “Children of the Inquisition,” at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. 

We are also undertaking one of the most anticipated projects in RIJHA’s almost 70-year history. Some of you who have visited our office, in the JCC, may know our beloved 19th-century mannequin, dubbed “Bessie” after Bessie Abramowitz, wife of Abraham Abramowitz, a tailor who owned a pushcart in late 19th-century Providence. “Bessie” has been in need of restoration for decades, and we are finally getting her the care she deserves. We plan to periodically update everyone on her progress throughout the process, and anxiously await her return to the RIJHA office.

The Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association is a vibrant and engaged membership organization, and we need people like you to help us continue to fulfill our mission and make a difference in the Rhode Island Jewish community.

KATE-LYNNE LAROCHE is executive director and office manager at the R.I. Jewish Historical Association and can be reached at 401-331-1360.

RIJHA