On Middle Ground, A History of the Jews of Baltimore

Join us for an insightful afternoon in the Lee Mansion as Public Historian, Museum Curator, Editor, Author Deborah Weiner shares her knowledge on the history of the Jewish community in Baltimore. This in-person event will take place at the Historic Lee Mansion. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and engage with a fascinating aspect of Baltimore’s heritage.

In 1905, Jerusalem Mill was owned by Russian Jewish immigrant Joseph Weiner and his son Henry (no relation to Deborah). They sold the mill to fellow Russian Jews Hymen Smotrisky, Joseph B. Smotrisky and Jacob Kornblatt in 1907. Deborah is researching these businessmen and former mill owners, and will share her insights about the possible connection between the mill and Baltimore’s Jewish community.

This event is a major fundraiser for the critical preservation of Historic Jerusalem Mill’s Barn, Tenant House, Smokehouse/Dairy and our recently excavated Mansion Kitchen. Help support our mission.

A Book Signing of On Middle Ground will follow the lecture with a social gathering in the dining room, food and drinks will be provided.

Deborah R. Weiner is a Baltimore-based historian, writer, editor, and curator. She is co-author of On Middle Ground: A History of the Jews of Baltimore, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, and author of Coalfield Jews: An Appalachian History, published by theUniversity of Illinois Press. Dr. Weiner serves as a consultant to museums, historical societies, and other organizations. She has taught public history and American Jewish history at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Baltimore, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. For many years, she was the Research Historian and Family History Coordinator at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Dr. Weiner earned a Ph.D. in history from West Virginia University and a B.A. in American Studies from Grinnell College. Originally from Chicago, she worked in the community development field before becoming an historian.

For the security of all, The Associated reserves the right to search all bags prior to entry.

By attending this event you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.