Youth Education: Programs

Bring your synagogue, school, or youth group for an unforgettable Jewish museum experience.

Programs are led by trained museum educators and last for 1–1.5 hours.

Due to space constraints, we can only accommodate 30 students at a time in the historic synagogue. Larger groups can be accommodated by adding a walking tour or multiple visits. Advanced reservations are required (see below).

1876 Synagogue · Walking Tours · Jewish Washington exhibition · Living History

Historic 1876 Synagogue

A Synagogue Story
(K - 3rd grades)

Students learn about the history and preservation of our 1876 synagogue and create models of the synagogue building. (Illustrated above)
1.5 hours -- $7/student (including materials); $4/adult

An Immigrant Story
(4th - 7th grades)

Students learn about the Jewish immigrant experience in Washington, D.C., at the end of the 19th century by analyzing primary source materials, including photographs, letters, and documents.
1.5 hours -- $5/student; $4/adult

Building Detective
(versions for 4th - 12th grades)

Students unlock the mysteries of our historic building by comparing it to other familiar sites and learn about the building's diverse history. A discussion of historic preservation follows.
1.5 hours -- $5/student; $4/adult

Walking Tour of Downtown Jewish Washington

(versions for students in 4th - 12th grades)

Students tour former synagogue buildings, Jewish businesses, and homes in the "old Jewish neighborhood" of downtown D.C., now known as Judiciary Square and Chinatown.
1 hour -- $8/student; $4/adult

Jewish Washington: Scrapbook of an American Community

click here to learn where this exhibition is currently hanging.

A Scrapbook of Jewish Washington
(4th - 6th grades)

Using our award-winning activity guide, students tour the exhibit, paying special attention to the themes of immigration, change, and tzedakah. Following the tour, Museum Teachers lead discussion.
1.5 hours -- $5/student; $4/adult

Jewish Dilemmas
(8th - 12th grades)

Students use primary sources in our exhibit to examine some tough choices that Jews have had to make in D.C.--from 1795 to the present. Museum Teachers guide students through the exhibit and lead discussion.
1.5 hours -- $5/student; $4/adult

Living History Performance

Anna Shulman: The Queen of H Street
(4th-7th grades)

This one-woman show tells the entertaining and true life story of Anna Shulman, her arrival in the U.S. and in Washington, and her impact on the H Street neighborhood, home to Jewish merchants in the 1920s and 1930s.  Contemporary students unfamiliar with their immigrant heritage will learn how immigrants such as Anna repaid their debt of welcome by helping subsequent immigrants in their turn.
45 minutes -- $350/program at your location

Israel. . . Our Dream, Our State, Our Homeland
(4th-8th grades and adults)

This one-woman show explores the role of American teens in the creation of Israel, and the importance of social action both then and now. This program takes place at your school, community center, or other location. It's a great way to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day).
45 minutes -- $400/program at your location

For information and reservations, please fill out the Program Request Form or contact Erin McCormally, Education Specialist, at (202) 789-0900 or emccormally@jhsgw.org.