Exploring History Through Jewish Museum of Maryland’s Online Database


The coronavirus pandemic has caused us to reevaluate our options for entertainment, work and social interactions. As we continue to cope in different ways, many of us have seized the opportunity to relive family moments by sharing old photographs and retelling personal stories, leaving us thinking about our past, present and future.

And for those left wanting more, the Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) is guaranteed to pique one’s interest in the history of Maryland and the Jewish people. Storytellers at heart, JMM curates 12,000 objects, more than 68,000 photographs, 850 oral histories, two historic synagogues and three exhibit galleries. They find new stories all the time — stories that will make you question, make you laugh, make you think and feel deeply—no matter who you are. From poignant to whimsical, comfortably familiar to downright bizarre, they are able to find, tell and protect the stories of Maryland’s Jewish communities.

It’s easy to search and find any story, photo or object using JMM’s online collections database. Typing in keywords, such as a year (1960), a historical period (the civil war) or a place (Lombard Street) generates photos and information on any given subject.

This can provide a deeper dive into our shared history as well as expand one’s knowledge base. Below you can see the full range of abilities the online collections database offers as Tracie Guy-Decker, the Deputy Director of the Jewish Museum of Maryland, walks you through its features.

“If you just want to see something fun you can always click on ‘random images.’  Then you get a whole bunch of images from our collections [and] some things you might never expect.”

Beyond the collections and research areas, JMM’s website offers easy to find information on exhibits, education and events. You can also find educational materials for your student at home. This includes downloadable resources parents can use.

The museum has adapted to the ever-changing landscape with the transition to virtual events and online opportunities. Past events have included discussions about social and racial justice in the age of the coronavirus, a retrospective on the Baltimore Uprising and a family Earth Day program. However, there is more to come in June such as Drag Queen Story Hour and a screening of the film After Munich in partnership with the 32nd Annual William and Irene Weinberg Family Baltimore Jewish Film Festival.

Stay up-to-date with all the exciting virtual events from the Jewish Museum of Maryland by checking out their website as well as The Associated community calendar


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The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

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