Our Story.

The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford (JHSGH) collects and preserves materials that document the Greater Hartford Jewish community. Through an array of publications, exhibitions and partnerships, we tell the stories of Jewish life, culture and contributions to our part of Connecticut.

Founded in 1971, JHSGH has grown from an attic closet to a respected community archival center. JHSGH is a member-supported organization and a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford.

Learn more – watch the video

STAFF

Executive Director

Jennifer Klau, Ph.D.

Jennifer began at JHSGH in 2021 as our Communications & Administrative Manager and was concurrently director of Mikveh Bess Israel from February 2023 to March 2025. She has been active in the Greater Hartford Jewish community for many years, serving in leadership roles and on the Board at Beth David Synagogue.

She looks forward to helping JHS reach and engage new constituents while maintaining its core mission of preserving the stories of our Jewish past. Jennifer is proud to be the third generation of the Klau family to be active at JHSGH.

She holds a B. S. in Communications from Boston University’s College of Communication. She completed her Ph.D. in Kinesiology and her M.A. in Education at UCONN.
P: (860) 727-6170

JFK Headshot

Communications and Administration Manager

Patricia Olesh

Patricia has a background in public relations and marketing communications in the corporate and nonprofit worlds spanning education, financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, the performing arts and entertainment.

Patricia began her career with the United Way of Greater Hartford and has returned to the area after sojourns in NYC and Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Simmons College in Boston, MA.

Leah Early

Leah Early studied philosophy and religion at Reed College and earned her MS-LIS with a concentration in archives management from Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science.

P: (860) 727-6173
learly@jewishhartford.org

Archivist

Officers & Board

Co- Presidents
Treasurer:

Rebecca Selig & Michael Fishman

Sharon Kowal Freilich

  • Ron Apter
  • Jeff Azia
  • Alan Berkowitz
  • Michael Cohen
  • David Diamond
  • Hollis Dorman
  • Lance Goldberg
  • Rona Gollob
  • David Harris
  • Steve Kleinman
  • Abbey Kreinik
  • Robin Landau
  • Madison Leighty
  • Ellen Lescher
  • Evan Levy
  • Michalee Merritt
  • Lisa Plavin
  • Rick Robinson
  • Susan Schenker
  • David Silver

Honorary Directors:

  • Leon Chameides
  • Barbara Gordon
  • Arthur Nassau