Profit Org. Postage PAID Only. No. 296 delphia, PA Smithsonian Institution America R Affiliations Program VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1 FALL 2003 A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY NEW MUSEUM CAMPAIGN PASSES $40 MILLION MARK S purred by recent donations from FUTURE SITE the Board of Trustees, the Capital AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY Campaign for the new Museum surpassed SIGN OF the $40 million mark. Of the eleven THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY THE TIMES founding gifts of $1 million or more, trustees made seven. An additional seven A recently trustees have each made gifts of $500,000. ALL erected sign on the Their gifts follow that of Sidney NMAJH OFFICERS lawn area of the Kimmel, who, last November, made a lead TEAM Museum's 5th gift of $25 million to the Capital Street side Campaign. "Trustee giving is crucial to the announces campaign," said Museum President Myles construction of the H. Tanenbaum, who also serves as Co- new Museum to Chair of the Capital Campaign with the millions of visitors who annually make Philadelphia's historic area Trustee George M. Ross. "It proves their destination. The sign depicts architect James S. Polshek's glass and commitment for the project and vital stone façade for the new building, which will front on 5th Street. credibility for the Museum. Moreover, "The sign publicizes what will become a major attraction for many foundations insist upon 100 percent Philadelphians and visitors," said Museum Trustee George M. Ross, who trustee giving as a prerequisite for their is Co Chair of the Capital Campaign with Museum President Myles H. financial support." Tanenbaum. "It heralds our plans to everyone who walks past the site, In another campaign related event, and is generating a great deal of interest." Ross adds that since the sign's Caroline and Sidney Kimmel hosted a installation there has been an increase in Museum visitation because party at their home in Palm Beach, Florida people are curious to see what's happening here now, and want to know in March and invited guests to hear about about future plans. the bold plans for the new National Museum of American Jewish History. The impact of the 10-foot by 12-foot sign has also been noted by "We are grateful to Sidney and personnel at the Independence Visitor Center across the street, who Caroline for hosting the party and allowing inform our staff that many inquiries have been made after people have us to present the plans for the Museum to seen the sign and want to know more about the Museum. their friends and guests," said NMAJH Chairman D. Walter Cohen. "The new Museum is truly going to be a national institution and this was a wonderful opportunity to share the plans with Exhibition Explores American individuals from communities across the country." Life Through Jewish Experience The he Dutch West India Company in Holland controlled New Amsterdam, CONTENTS now known as New York, in the mid-17th century. There was one established church the Dutch Reformed Church, and New Amsterdam Governor Peter MUSEUM CAMPAIGN 1 Stuyvesant wanted to keep it that way: homogeneous. He believed that if Jews were given the right to live there, then Lutherans and Papists would be allowed in. MUSEUM NEWS 1, 2 Stuyvesant did not believe that a pluralistic society could function. on GALA 3, 4, 5 The Jews insisted that they be allowed to live in New Amsterdam. Jews on and the board of the Dutch West India Company persuaded the rest of the board that SHOP 6 letting Jews stay in New Amsterdam would be good for business. Their argument Sam PROGRÁMS 6,8 succeeded, and the first permanent settlement of Jews in America was established in 1654. COLLECTIONS 7 The dispute raised questions that run through American history and continue STATEMENT to linger. How did non-Jews perceive Jews? Should there be quotas on Jewish immigration and in institutions? Do questions about Jewish loyalty affect Confidence Post-War.1 & Pride Jewish Staties (continued on page 2) 8 *