Welcome to The National Museum of
American Jewish Military History

The National Museum of American Jewish Military History, under the auspices of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, documents and preserves the contributions of Jewish Americans to the peace and freedom of the United States, educates the public concerning the courage, heroism and sacrifices made by Jewish Americans who served in the armed forces, and works to combat anti-Semitism.

NMAJMH News & Special Announcements

What's happening at the Museum?

Dinner/Memorial Service at the Historic 6th and I Synagogue in Washington DC

A Carlebach-inspired service honoring the Jewish fallen heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan will be held on May 24, led by Chazzan Larry Paul and musician Robyn Helzner at the Historic 6th and I Synagogue in Washington DC. Museum President Norman Rosenshein will give opening remarks. During the service, the names of the more than 40 fallen heroes will be read in solemn remembrance and prayer. Followed by dinner and Shabbat singing. Family members of the Fallen Heroes will be our special guests. To r.s.v.p. click here. For more information contact Mary Westley at (202) 265 6280 or mwestley@nmajmh.org.

On Saturday June 1, 2013 10am-4pm and Sunday June 2, 2013 1pm-5pm stretch your legs and your mind during the 30th Annual Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk (June 1 and 2, 2013). Nine diverse museums will open their doors free of charge for this weekend long celebration in one of Washington, D.C.’s most beautiful neighborhoods. For more information click here

Jewish Study Center classes – Spring Semester 2013

The Jewish Study Center of Washington, DC will be holding Spring Semester classes at NMAJMH on Tuesday Evenings. This semester’s classes include:

Challah Baking 101
April 9, 6:30-8:00pm

Birthright Citizenship and Jewish Belonging
April 9, 6:30-8:00pm

Panel: Intellectual Property Rights and Jewish Law
April 30, 7:00-8:15pm

Origins of Jewish Food
June 11, 7:00-8:15pm

Family Stories
Sunday, June 2, 1:00-5:00pm

For more information and/or to register please visit the JSC website at www.jewishstudycenter.org

A Second look – Highlights of two books in our Museum Shop

Transcending Darkness: A Girl's Journey Out of the Holocaust by Holocaust Survivor Estelle Laughlin

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. On September 29, shortly after Poland's surrender, German forces entered Warsaw. Click here to read more.

Battle At the Overland Trail: One Night of Combat on Guadalcanal by Author Jason Abady

In the Pacific Theater of the Second World War, Guadalcanal Island was of pivotal importance for both Japan and the United States to prosecute the war in their favor. Click here to read more.

For a book review please click here.
To read an article in Leatherneck magazine click here.

Past News & Special Announcements »

Museum Outreach

Visit to Talmudical Academy

The National Museum of American Jewish Military History's Michael Rugel and Herb Rosenbleeth visit third grade classes at the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore, MD.

Docent Search

The National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH) is seeking docents to lead walk–in visitors as well as pre–arranged tour groups, of both children and adults, through a variety of exhibits that explain and examine the role of Jews in American military history. The NMAJMH is affiliated with the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, and is dedicated to the mission of preserving and creating public awareness of the contributions of Jewish Americans in the Armed Forces. A contribution of your time is an immeasurable gift, and a great asset, to our organization. For more information please click here.

Can't visit the NMAJMH in person?
Purchase a museum display for use in your community.

New mini certificate program

There are many reasons to say something and now there is a good reason to say it. The NMAJMH is starting up a new mini campaign within the Certificate program. From now until February 28, 2013, NMAJMH will provide ONE free certificate for every four blank certificates ordered. That is FIVE 6 x9 blank certificates for $40.00 instead of $50.00! Certificates have to be ordered at the same time. For more information, contact Mary Westley at 202-265-6280 or mwestley@nmajmh.org. Click on Museum Store here on our website.

The Future of the NMAJMH

Design for Permanent Exhibition Unveiled

The National Museum of American Jewish Military History proudly unveils the design for our new permanent core exhibit. The NMAJMH has been working with Quatrefoil Associates to put together a conceptual design for an exhibition that will cover the entire span of Jewish service in the American military. This new exhibit will be the core of the NMAJMH and is our most ambitious undertaking yet.

View the National Museum of American Jewish Military History’s tribute to 358 years of Jewish service in the American military

Meet the President of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History

Remembrance Walk on Target

Remembrance Walk on Target - The demolition of the Museum's front walkway is now complete. The first shipment of engraved pavers is installed and the second order has been completed.  Help preserve the contributions of Jewish Americans to maintaining the peace and freedom of the United States of America by purchasing a paver. Contributing to the NMAJMH Remembrance Walk Program is a great way to honor a family member, memorialize a loved one. A paver on our new museum walkway makes a wonderful birthday or holiday gift.

Visitors to the
National Museum of American Jewish Military History

Women's Role in American History Reexamined, Celebrated - Bernice Baumel

Bernice (Baumel) Harwood enlisted in the WAVES in 1944 and signed up as a hospital corpsman and became trained as one of only eight Acrylic Eye Illustrators in the United States. Pictured here at a recent visit to the museum with Museum Collections Assistant Mike Rugel, Museum Docent Marcie Waldstreicher and great niece Jill Baumel. Read her story on page 44 of the Women in the Military: A Jewish Perspective catalog.

Visit from the Israeli Embassy

Noam Katz, Minister Public Diplomacy, and Deydra B. Cavazos, Director of Strategic Outreach of the Embassy of Israel with Museum Director Col. Herb Rosenbleeth touring our exhibits. The two organizations also met to discuss co sponsorship opportunities.

"...Remember, Honor and Teach" - mission of Wreaths Across America
"...Documents, Preserves and Educates" - mission of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History

Co-Founders of Wreaths Across America Morrill and Karen Worcester and Chairman Wayne Hanson and wife Ann shared the day with staff and leadership. We look forward to working together in honoring our veterans.

A Sunday Visit to the Museum

Members of the Samuel Gompers - Benjamin Franklin Masonic Lodge # 45 in Washington DC took advantage of the Sunday museum hours and brought friends and family. JWV/ Museum Member/ Docent Dr. Sheldon Goldberg led the tour adding interesting insights of his own tour of duty in combat as squadron and wing commander with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Nite Owls) of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (Wolfpack) at Ubon, Thailand, the only night-dedicated fighter squadron in the U.S. Air Force. Thank you for visiting! If your Lodge or Synagogue or Club wishes to join us at the Museum on a Sunday, please contact Mary Westley at 202 265 6280 or mwestley@nmajmh.org and find out what we have to offer.