Telling Our Stories – Preserving Our History

The Enduring Story of Jewish Hartford

Explore the rich history of the Jewish community and its values, from early immigrants to local heroes. We use primary sources to bring the stories of how Jewish leaders and everyday people built a vibrant community and worked for a more just society to life.

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Annie Fisher

“When I was a child of immigrant parents, you taught me English. You helped me overcome fears.”
Mrs. Max Zietz

Events

The Jewish Historical Society & the CT Museum of Culture and History Present:

The Wandering Plaque of 1911

Join our Executive Director, Jennifer Klau, as she tells the story of becoming responsible for the fate of 500 lbs of Yiddish-engraved marble stranded in a Hartford school basement. There's no instruction manual for getting access to and re-housing a massive slab of 115-year-old stone.

The history of Greater Hartford's Jewish immigrants, their migrations into the North End and beyond is encapsulated by the stone and the tale it tells.

The event is free, but advanced sign up is required.

The Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

Submit your nomination!

Adult & teen (graduating high school 2026) categories

Click here for more information and nomination form

Tapestry of Memories: Oral and Written Narratives of Jewish Hartford

Abraham Ribicoff

Abraham Ribicoff was the first Jewish person to become the governor of Connecticut (1955-1961), and a U.S. senator (1963-1981), representing Connecticut in Congress. He was also elected to the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Peter Roisman

Born in Hartford, Roisman attended West Hartford’s Hall High School, where he played varsity soccer, basketball, and golf. The golf team became state champions, and the soccer team were state semi-finalists.

Oral History Collection

More information/submit your nomination

More information & nomination forms

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This collection at comprises interviews conducted by staff and volunteers of the historical society from 1968 to the present. The collection documents the Jewish community in Greater Hartford and the central Connecticut region.

Oral History Collection

Support the Jewish Historical Society

Exhibitions

Explore our rotating exhibitions that bring Connecticut Jewish history to life. From archival displays at our West Hartford offices to traveling exhibits shared throughout the region, JHSGH creates engaging experiences that preserve and celebrate the stories, culture, and contributions of Jewish communities in Greater Hartford. Visit our exhibitions page to see what's currently on display and learn about upcoming shows. READ MORE

Sign up here to receive the Jewish Historical Society's electronic newsletter (typically twice a month) with announcements of upcoming programs and featured tidbits of local history.

Telling Our Stories – Preserving Our History

The Enduring Story of Jewish Hartford

Annie Fisher

Events

Stone Footprints

The Jewish Historical Society & the CT Museum of Culture and History Present:

The Wandering Plaque of 1911

The Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

Submit your nomination!

Tapestry of Memories: Oral and Written Narratives of Jewish Hartford

Abraham Ribicoff

Peter Roisman

See our Exhibitions

Oral History Collection

More information/submit your nomination

This collection at comprises interviews conducted by staff and volunteers of the historical society from 1968 to the present. The collection documents the Jewish community in Greater Hartford and the central Connecticut region.

Exhibitions

Sign up here to receive the Jewish Historical Society's electronic newsletter (typically twice a month) with announcements of upcoming programs and featured tidbits of local history.