Washington State Jewish Historical Society

05/31/2026

Antell Family Picnic at Lower Woodland, c. 1907

A lively glimpse into early Seattle life, this photograph captures the Antell family gathered for a picnic at Lower Woodland around 1907.

Identified family members include Celia Antell, Meyer Lurie, Lillian Antell, Ethel Kirshbaum (with dog), and several generations of the Antell, Lurie, Weisfield, and Kirshbaum families—among others.

From multi-generational gatherings to a relaxed day outdoors, this image reflects the close-knit community and everyday life of Seattle’s early Jewish families. This photograph comes directly from our collection at the UW Special Collections Jewish archives.

05/26/2026

We’re excited to bring our StoryBooth to Spokane alongside author Ken Baronsky for a special conversation around Zayde’s Crossing—a powerful story of faith, migration, resilience, and one family’s journey across continents to the Pacific Northwest. Drawing from family memories, oral histories, and archival records, the book highlights how storytelling helps preserve lives and histories that might otherwise be forgotten.

WSJHS staff will be on-site with our StoryBooth, collecting oral histories and preserving community stories for future generations. Stop by, say hello, and share your story with us.

📍 South Hill Library – Spokane
📅 May 27 | 6:00 PM
🔗 https://events.spokanelibrary.org/event/16195865
📖 Zayde's Crossing Book: https://www.amazon.com/Zaydes-Crossing-Ken-Baronsky/dp/B0GZ9DQ245

05/21/2026

More moments from “Steeped in Stories: An Exhibit Celebrating Two Decades of History.”

It was a wonderful afternoon filled with community, conversation, and reflection as we looked back on decades of preserving and sharing our local history.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us and made the event so special. If you took photos, don’t forget to tag us—we’d love to see and share them!

Whether you were able to attend Steeped in Stories or couldn’t make it, we’d love for you to explore our curated collection celebrating 20 years of Jewish history. Check out the link below!

🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/event/steeped

05/20/2026

We’re excited to bring our StoryBooth to Spokane alongside author Ken Baronsky as we help preserve local Jewish histories through memory, storytelling, and community voices. Stop by and say hello!

Save the date! Our friends at Washington State Jewish Historical Society and Spokane Public Library are co-sponsoring this great event later this month, to take place at SPL's South Hill branch.

05/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Sunday for “Steeped in Stories: An Exhibit Celebrating Two Decades of History.”

We’re so grateful for your support as we shared decades of our work and celebrated the incredible leadership of Lisa Kranseler. For more than 20 years, Lisa has been the driving force behind WSJHS, guiding, growing, and championing our mission with passion and dedication. We are deeply grateful for all she has done and continues to do for our organization and community.

Here are a few photos from the event! If you took any of your own, please tag us—we’d love to see them and share them on our page.

Whether you were able to attend Steeped in Stories or couldn’t make it, we’d love for you to explore our curated collection celebrating 20 years of Jewish history. Check out the link below!

🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/event/steeped

05/20/2026

Twenty Years of Jewish Storytelling

Join us in celebrating two decades of preserving, sharing, and honoring Jewish history. This special exhibit highlights the work of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society and the stories that have shaped our communities and collective memory.

On display at the Holocaust Center for Humanity from May 18 to June 7, 2026

05/14/2026

Ann Horowitz, c. 1909–1912

This postcard photograph of Ann Horowitz, taken by Charleston Foto, currently housed at the UW Special Collections, offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Seattle.

📍 The studio’s logo on the back reads: White City & 1303 First Ave., Seattle, Wash.

A small detail with a big story—capturing a moment in time and the history behind it.

05/10/2026

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re sharing this tender early Seattle moment featuring Amy (Kaufman) Rothenberg holding her daughter Hildred outside their home at 2765 S. Washington St.

A simple, everyday scene—yet one that speaks volumes about love, care, and the quiet strength of mothers across generations.

Moments like these remind us that history lives not only in big events, but in family, home, and connection.

05/08/2026

Announcement: We’re integrating!

We’re joining the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s portfolio of programs. Learn more in our joint statement by clicking the link below.

🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/integration-announcement

05/06/2026

Oral History Spotlight: Charles Alhadeff

Charles Alhadeff, born in Seattle, discusses his early life in the Yesler Way neighborhood, his education, and his family’s seafood businesses, including Palace Fish and Oyster Company, Whiz Fish Company, and ABC Pacific. He reflects on his father’s involvement with Congregation Ezra Bessaroth and describes Sephardic community life and social experiences. Alhadeff also recounts being among the first Sephardic Jews to attend Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s religious school, his experience pledging Zeta Beta Tau, and his marriage to an Ashkenazic woman.

Listen to Charles Alhadeff's Oral History interview at the link below.
🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/oral-history/charles-alhadeff

📷 Nessim (Sam) and Rosa Alhadeff seated with children, approximately 1933. Courtesy of UW Special Collections.