Straus Historical Society

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Straus Historical Society

Welcome to the Straus Historical Society
page! The history of the Straus family is part of world history. It is written for the present.

The Straus Historical Society fosters educational activities with respect to the settlement of Jews in the United States and, in particular, the family of Lazarus and Sara Straus, their ancestors and their descendants. The focus of the Society's activities on the Straus Family is based on the family's involvement in government, commerce, and philanthropy. It provokes discussion, imagination and cr

eation. It ties the present with the past and draws pathways to the future. Visit the Straus Room at the Rutgers University Virtual Museum of Public Service: www.vmps.us/straus-family

08/29/2026

On This Day in Straus Family History

Today we remember Vivian Straus Scheftel Dixon, who was born 140 years ago. The youngest child of Isidor and Ida Straus, Vivian was known for her beauty, sophistication, and resilience.

After the death of her first husband, Dr. Herbert A. Scheftel, in 1914, Vivian raised their two young sons before marrying banker George Dixon Jr. in 1916. The family later lived outside Paris while George was stationed in France, enjoying an international lifestyle that eventually led Vivian to spend her later years in England.

One of the most touching memories of Vivian comes from her son, Herbert "Buzzie" Scheftel, who recalled visits to Straus Park, where his mother would have her children toss pink carnations into the reflecting pool in memory of their grandparents, Isidor and Ida Straus.

Vivian passed away in 1967, but her life remains an important part of the enduring Straus family story—one marked by love, perseverance, and remembrance.

08/24/2026

In 1857, brothers Lazarus and David Kohns were living in New York City, where they operated an embroidery business at 55 John Street. At some point, Lazarus moved to Georgia, where his life became closely connected with the Straus family.

On November 18, 1863, Lazarus Kohns married Hermine Straus in Muscogee County, Georgia. Hermine was the daughter of Lazarus and Sara Straus, who had emigrated from Otterberg, Germany. Lazarus was the son of Louis and Clara Kohns of Giebelstadt, Germany.

The marriage was performed by Minister James K. Gutheim, an intriguing figure in the history of Southern Jewry. Gutheim was associated with Jewish congregations in New Orleans, Columbus, and Montgomery during the Civil War era. According to Dr. Stuart Rockoff of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, Gutheim supported the Confederacy and left New Orleans after the city came under Union control. He later served congregations in Montgomery and Columbus before eventually becoming associated with Temple Emanu-El in New York City and returning to New Orleans after the war.

The Columbus Jewish community was itself well established by this time: B'nai Israel was founded in 1854.

After the Civil War, Lazarus Kohns and Hermine returned to New York with the Straus family. Lazarus later worked at L. Straus & Sons on Warren Street, bringing his story full circle—from an embroidery business on John Street, to Civil War–era Georgia, and ultimately back to the Straus family business in New York.

08/20/2026

On This Day in Straus Family History

Today marks 77 years since Dr. Nathan Roos' medical degree was reinstated, a powerful act of justice after years of persecution under the N**i regime.

Dr. Nathan Roos was married to Luise Weiss, a descendant of the Straus family through Lazarus Straus' daughter, Karoline. The family fled Germany in 1939, eventually settling on Manhattan's Upper West Side. In 1941, while attempting to verify his medical credentials in the United States, Dr. Roos learned that the University of Munich had revoked his medical degree after the N**is stripped him of his German citizenship, declaring that he was "unworthy of a German academic degree."

Despite this injustice, Dr. Roos persevered and established a private medical practice in New York. Then, in August 1953, after years of effort, the University of Munich officially restored his doctoral degree. In its response, the university acknowledged that the reinstatement was "an undeniable duty of honor and restitution of an injustice."

The story of Nathan and Luise Roos—preserved through letters and photographs generously shared by their daughter, Ellen—is a moving testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring pursuit of justice.

Learn more about Dr. Nathan Roos and his remarkable journey: https://bit.ly/3JNqtfy

08/17/2026

Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the power of organizations dedicated to preserving our shared history and strengthening our communities.

At the Straus Historical Society, our mission is to preserve and share the remarkable legacy of the Straus family and their enduring contributions to public service, philanthropy, education, commerce, and humanitarian causes. Through educational programs, scholarships, exhibitions, publications, and the preservation of thousands of historical documents and artifacts, we strive to ensure these inspiring stories continue to educate and inspire future generations.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our members, donors, volunteers, scholars, and supporters. Thank you for believing in the importance of preserving history and helping us keep the Straus legacy alive.

Together, we're not just preserving the past—we're inspiring the future.

08/12/2026

Artifact Wednesday!

One of the Straus Historical Society's most treasured acquisitions is the family Bible of Hermine Straus Kohns, acquired in 2021.

This remarkable volume is a Leeser's Tanakh, the first complete English translation of the Hebrew Bible by a Jewish scholar, published in 1853–1854. Often described as the standard Bible of English-speaking Jews, bookseller James Cummins called it Isaac Leeser's "Magnum Opus."

The Bible was likely presented to Hermine Straus upon her marriage to Lazarus Kohns in Columbus, Georgia, on November 18, 1863. More than a sacred text, it became the family's historical record. Hermine carefully documented marriages, births, and deaths—including her own marriage, the lives of her parents, Lazarus and Sara Straus, the births of her children, the heartbreaking loss of two of them in infancy, and the births of her grandchildren. Later generations continued adding to its pages, making it a living record of the family's history.

Artifacts like this preserve not only names and dates but the personal stories that connect generations.

Read more about this extraordinary family heirloom: https://bit.ly/3Ask5YF

08/09/2026

Happy National Book Lovers Day!

Today we celebrate the joy of reading and the power of books to preserve history, inspire curiosity, and connect us with the past.

At the Straus Historical Society, we're proud to publish books that explore the remarkable legacy of the Straus family, their humanitarian work, public service, philanthropy, and the broader history they helped shape.

Whether you're interested in biographies, memoirs, or historical research, there's something for every history enthusiast.

Explore our publications and let us know—which Straus Historical Society book have you read, or which one is next on your reading list?

https://shorturl.at/4Zice

08/07/2026

Join the Fun at Straus Park's Show Tunes Concert!

Get ready to sing along to your Broadway favorites! After last year's show tune concert was such a hit, we're bringing it back for another unforgettable afternoon of music and fun.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, August 8, at 1:00 PM for a lively musical romp through beloved Broadway show tunes and other popular songs. Enjoy a talented vocalist accompanied by piano as they perform the songs we all know and love—and don't be surprised if you find yourself singing along!

Bring your friends, family, and your love of musical theater for an afternoon of entertainment in the park.

Straus Park
W 106th Street & Broadway
New York, NY 10025

Saturday, August 8 | 1:00–2:00 PM

Admission is free. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/04/2026

Did you know that Camp Lehman provided thousands of Jewish boys with unforgettable summers filled with adventure, friendship, and character-building?

Established in 1916 by the 92nd Street YMHA at the Port Chester estate of Judge Irving Lehman and Sissie Straus Lehman (daughter of Nathan Straus), Camp Lehman was founded on the principles of Scouting, emphasizing leadership, self-reliance, and service. Over the years, the camp expanded to include sports and other activities while maintaining its commitment to developing young men of character.

In 1937, at the suggestion of Judge and Mrs. Lehman, Camp Lehman became completely free, ensuring that even more boys could experience summer camp regardless of their family's financial circumstances. During the years leading up to World War II, the camp also welcomed a number of German Jewish refugee boys, offering them safety, community, and a chance to simply be children.

Although Camp Lehman closed in 1942 due to the wartime effort and never reopened, its legacy of compassion, opportunity, and service continues to inspire.

Learn more about Camp Lehman and its remarkable history: https://rb.gy/it8b55

08/01/2026

In Case You Missed It!

The recording of our June 10 virtual presentation on the life and legacy of Nathan Straus is now available to watch online.

Hosted by the Straus Historical Society and introduced by Executive Director Joan Adler, this special program featured author Andrew Fisher, whose acclaimed biography Nathan Straus: From Macy's Magnate to International Humanitarian explores the extraordinary journey of one of America's most influential philanthropists.

From his success as a merchant and co-owner of Macy's to his groundbreaking work in public health, milk pasteurization, and humanitarian causes around the world, Nathan Straus left an enduring legacy that continues to impact lives today.

Whether you missed the live event or would like to watch it again, we invite you to enjoy this fascinating presentation and learn more about the man whose commitment to public service changed countless lives.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ6Pc3Uh1e8

07/28/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Roger Williams Straus (1891–1957), the only son of Oscar S. Straus and Sarah Lavanburg Straus.

After graduating from Princeton, Roger chose a career with American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO), eventually becoming its president and later chairman of the board. Although he led one of the nation's largest industrial companies, he was known as a people-oriented leader who took a genuine interest in the employees who made the business successful.

Roger's greatest impact extended well beyond the business world. He was a founder of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, dedicated to combating prejudice and promoting religious understanding. He served as a Regent—and later Chancellor—of the New York State Board of Regents, represented the United States at the United Nations, championed religious liberty, and supported countless educational and charitable organizations throughout his life.

Following Roger's death in 1957, his wife, Gladys Guggenheim Straus, donated their beloved Claryville, New York, estate to what is now the Frost Valley YMCA, ensuring that future generations could enjoy the place Roger called his "Utopia."

Roger Williams Straus embodied the Straus family's enduring commitment to business leadership, public service, religious tolerance, and philanthropy—a legacy that continues to inspire today.

Learn more: https://shorturl.at/Rf7wO

Address

Post Office Box 416
Smithtown, NY
11787

Telephone

+16317244487

Website

http://straushistoricalsociety.org/

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