Friday, February 26, 2010

Weekly Report 2.26.10

Dear Friends,

Put on your party clothes and head down to the Museum for our fourth annual Purim Pandemonium party on Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s theme, Mystery! Suspense! Danger! A Night in Noir, is inspired by legendary Noir films like The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity. The festivities will include DJ dance music, refreshments, and an open bar. Tickets are $20 at the door. The sidewalks are sanded and the streets are finally plowed so you’ll be able to find plenty of free parking.

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

We’re continuing to gear up for our Fiftieth Anniversary commemorations and festivities. Simone Ellin is working on plans for the rededication of the Lloyd Street Synagogue, and publicity for the 50th anniversary celebration, related programs, and exhibitions. The Baltimore Jewish Times and WYPR-FM have signed on as media sponsors for the 50th anniversary year. I’ve been invited for an interview on Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast during the week of 15 March, when I’ll talk about the upcoming Synagogue Speaks exhibition. The development of the JMM’s new website continues, and the site will likely launch in the beginning of March just in time for the kick-off of 50th anniversary festivities.

This past week Jobi Zink worked with consultant Jayne Guberman to prepare for the “Telling Time” oral history training scheduled for noon to 4 on Sunday at the Museum. Forty people have signed up so far. “Telling Time” is a major oral history initiative in honor of the Museum’s fiftieth anniversary. Volunteer interviewers will help us collect fifty interviews in 2010. The completed interviews will become a permanent part of the Museum’s archive.

EXHIBITIONS

On-site fabrication of The Synagogue Speaks in the lower level of the Lloyd Street Synagogue began this week. Xibitz, a local fabrication firm, constructed most of the (beautiful) exhibitry and cabinetry in their shop, so we anticipate that installation will go quickly. It’s very exciting to see things take shape after years of research and preparation! Responses are pouring in for our re-opening events at the LSS from members, benefactors, volunteers, colleagues, community leaders, and public officials. We are looking forward to the kick-off for our Anniversary year.

Although planning for the Chosen Food exhibition continues at a steady rate, we officially closed the books on the NEH Planning Grant that supported this phase of the project by submitting our final narrative and financial reports. We also took our first “refrigerator portrait” on location, photographing the stocked fridge of Liala H., who insists “this is only half full since I’m not cooking for Shabbos dinner—only for lunch—this week.” Her freezer was also bulging, filled with home-baked rugelah she will be giving out for Purim shalach manos.

Karen Falk picked up loaned artwork from the Special Collections division of the Goucher College Library for the exhibition Nancy Patz: Her Inward Eye, opening 18 April.

PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION

On Sunday 21 February, the JMM welcomed Harvard Professor Elisa New to speak about her recent publication, Jacob’s Cane, a memoir of her family’s journey from Lithuania to Baltimore and London. Trustee Sarah Manekin delivered greetings on behalf of the JMM to a crowd of 40 people. The program was co-sponsored with the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

On Friday, the JCC and the JMM partnered for a Hands-On Holiday program for Purim, geared for downtown families of very young children. Young children, along with their parents, caregivers, and grandparents were actively engaged in craft activities, songs, and stories in connection with the upcoming festival. Hands-On Holiday programs and Tot Shabbat programs are part of the JCC's program, “JCC Beyond the Borders” funded by the The Jacob & Hilda Blaustein Fund for the Enrichment of Jewish Education.

After two weeks of canceled group visits due to the snow, it was wonderful to see groups back in the Museum. On Sunday, 21 February, a group of Russian teens toured our historic synagogues. Fifth graders from Callaway Elementary (Baltimore City) visited on Tuesday, 23 February. In the morning they toured the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and then participated in an Introduction to Judaism program at the JMM in the afternoon. On Thursday, 25 February, 8th graders from Maiden Choice, a Baltimore County public school for students with special needs, visited for an Introduction to Judaism program and a tour of Voices of Lombard Street. We are working hard to reschedule many of the groups that had to cancel because of school closings and delays.

On Wednesday, 24 February, students participating in the “Lessons of the Shoah” high school interfaith program had the opportunity to listen to Holocaust survivor Leo Bretholtz, who described his incredible experiences in Austria, France, Belgium, and Switzerland during the Holocaust. They also heard from David Walczak, who shared the experiences of his parents who joined the partisans during the Holocaust. For many students and parents, this was their first opportunity to hear firsthand testimony from a Holocaust survivor.

In spite of the snowy weather, the JMM Speakers Bureau, sponsored by Attman’s Delicatessen, has been very active. Harvey Schwartz, JMM docent and Fort McHenry volunteer, presented The Jews of Fort McHenry to a Baltimore Lodge of B’nai Brith. On Sunday, 20 February, Esther Weiner presented her talk, The Jewish Kitchen: A Link Between the Generations, to 25 members of the Bet Aviv Men’s Club in Columbia. The topic so intrigued a non-member that she came to hear the talk and join in the conversation. The audience was very engaged in the presentation, interrupting frequently to add to what turned out to be an interesting and moving discussion. Esther reports that this was one of the most warmly and enthusiastically received presentations she’s ever given.

ADVOCACY

Deborah Cardin attended an Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Monday, 22 February in support of educational funding. Many thanks to Baltimore Museum of Industry Executive Director (and JMM trustee), Roland Woodward for providing testimony on behalf of the Greater Baltimore History Alliance museums at this hearing.

Next Tuesday 2 March, from 5 to 8 p.m., is Annapolis Advocacy day for the Maryland Jewish Community. Advocates will hear from Gov. O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Brown and meet with state legislators. This is a wonderful way to make your views known to our leaders in Annapolis. To register of for more information visit www.baltjc.org or phone 410/542-4850.

INTERNS

We welcomed two new student interns this week. Douglas Winters and Kyle Wittman are volunteering in the Education and Program department. They are both juniors at Loyola University where they are majoring in Christian theology and world religions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Lauren Silberman attended the Small Museum Association Annual Conference in Ocean City. After serving for two years on the Conference Committee, Lauren has been elected to the SMA Board. The conference was a big success with more than 200 attendees.

LEADERSHIP

The JMM Board of Trustees, chaired by President David Liebman, convened on Monday for its quarterly meeting. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Museum Shop by our estimable shop manager, Esther Weiner. She even made a couple of sales!

On Thursday, 25 February, the Board Development Committee, chaired by Past President Jim Rothschild, met to prepare a slate of nominations for the FY11 Board.

The Museum has had the privilege of participating in an Organizational Review sponsored by the Associated. This rigorous self-study process has proven to be productive and enlightening, and we are grateful to the staff and lay leadership of the Associated for providing this opportunity and sharing their wise counsel.


Best wishes for a (warm and sunny?) weekend.

Anita

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Once Upon a Time 2.19.10




The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.

Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 2/19/10


PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1111


Status: Unidentified. A woman and a boy on a chair hold a banner that reads "Happy Hannukah" above 5 children sitting on the floor.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Happy Birthday, Once Upon A Time!




Our Once Upon a Time feature turns three this week! Thank you to all of our wonderful members and Jewish Times subscribers for calling in week after week with the identifications of the people in the photographs.

And to answer the question that I am most frequently asked, YES! People do call in every week to identify the photos. In fact two-thirds of all of the photos have been at least partially identified through this JMM/Jewish Times collaboration.

The "answers" to the identifications are posted right here on the JMM blog and website. (Sometimes it does take a week or two to update.) The information is also added to our database to assist researchers in the future.


Interested in seeing more? Enter your search term (name, shul, club) into our on-line database and see what comes up. Or, make an appointment to come to the museum and view the photographs in person. Want to help identify photos on a regular basis? We need volunteers to help describe the photos in our collection. Contact Ilene Cohen, JMM Volunteer Coordinator, icohen@jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400 ext. 217

Friday, February 19, 2010

Weekly Report 2.19.10

Dear Friends,

After a week of terrible storms, it was great to get back to work without major interruptions this week. Planning and preparation for our 50th Anniversary programs continues apace. This week, we began installation of The Synagogue Speaks exhibition in the lower level of Lloyd Street Synagogue, and we are moving ahead with the preview and opening programs at the restored landmark.

I am saddened to announce the imminent departure of our distinguished program and education coordinator, Lauren Silberman, who has accepted a position as coordinator for the Museum Assessment Program at the American Association of Museums in Washington, DC. During her nearly seven years with the JMM, Lauren has made numerous contributions, which will stand us in good stead for years to come. We wish her every success and satisfaction in her new position, but we will miss her and her many gifts. Here are other highlights:

LEADERSHIP: We were delighted to host Jewish Times publisher Andrew Buerger, community leader Miriam Winder Kelly, and community historian Wayne Schaumburg at our monthly Leadership Luncheon. Trustee Ira Askin hosted the luncheon. As usual, this was a lively and engaged conversation. Our thanks to our distinguished guests.

The JMM Program Committee, chaired by Carol Glusman, met on Tuesday evening to discuss possibilities for core programs on Maryland Jewish history, and the JMM Development Committee, co-chaired by Robert Keehn and Richard Shatzkin, met on Wednesday evening to plan for FY11 fundraising. Our thanks to our trustees for their commitment and leadership.

OTHER GUESTS: On Sunday 14 February, members of the Downtown Jewish Family Network participated in their monthly family program at the JMM. The downtown families learned about the life of Ida Rehr, a Ukrainian immigrant who came to Baltimore, through the Leo V. Berger's Immigrant Trunk presentation. Families had the opportunity to look through the Voices of Lombard Street exhibit, sings songs and participate in hands-on activities. Also this past Sunday, Michael Lisicky spoke at the JMM about his recent publication, Hutzlers: Where Baltimore Shops. Trustee Duke Zimmerman offered greetings to the audience of 65 people and spoke about our upcoming re-dedication of the Lloyd Street Synagogue, the opening of The Synagogue Speaks exhibition, and the JMM's Anniversary. On Monday the 15th, 45 people attended a brunch birthday party rental in the Museum lobby.

UPCOMING PROGRAM: This Sunday 21 February, Harvard professor Elisa New speaks about her new book, Jacob’s Cane, which traces the journeys of two family patriarchs, great-grandfather Jacob Levy and great-great-uncle Bernhard Baron who emigrated from the Baltic states, met in Baltimore, and became friends before later turning into bitter rivals. This engrossing memoir/family history vivifies the successes and tragedies of a memorable clan. Co-Sponsored with Baltimore Museum of Industry.
BMI and JMM Members: Free! Non-Members: $8 (includes JMM admission).
For reservations contact Ilene Dackman-Alon, Program Director, at 410.732.6400 x214 or idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org.

MILESTONE: Our Once Upon a Time feature in the Jewish Times, managed by Jobi Zink, turned three this week! Thanks to all of our wonderful members and Jewish Times subscribers for calling in week after week with the identifications of the people in the photographs. And to answer the question most frequently asked, YES! People do call in every week to identify the photos. In fact two-thirds of all of the photos have been at least partially identified through this JMM/JT collaboration. The "answers" to the identifications are posted on the JMM blog and website. The information is also added to our database to assist researchers in the future. Interested in seeing more? Enter your search term (name, shul, club) into our on-line database and see what comes up. Or, make an appointment to come to the Museum and view the photographs in person. Want to help identify photos on a regular basis? We need volunteers to help describe the photos in our collection. Contact Ilene Cohen, JMM Volunteer Coordinator, icohen@jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400 ext. 217.

OUTREACH: On Sunday 14 February, Jeanette Parmigiani and Deborah Cardin brought a group of students and their parents to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum to tour the permanent exhibition. The group included participants in Lessons of the Shoah, our high school interfaith program that brings together Catholic and Jewish students in an effort to promote dialogue and understanding.

Curator Karen Falk and Senior Collections Manager Jobi Zink shipped our exhibition, Drawing on Tradition: The Book of Esther, to the Yeshiva University Museum in New York, where it will be on view this spring at the YUM galleries in the Center for Jewish History. As part of our Attman’s Deli Speakers Bureau, Curator Karen Falk gave a powerpoint presentation on Queen Esther to residents at Weinberg Woods.

STAFF ACTIVITIES: Program Director Ilene Dackman-Alon attended "Knit One Learn Two" at Chizuk Amuno Congregation led by Melton educator Judy Meltzer. On Thursday 18 February, Education Director Deborah Cardin testified before a House of Delegates Appropriations subcommittee on behalf of educational funding that the JMM receives annually through the Maryland State Department of Education. The JMM uses the funding that we receive from the State to subsidize educational programs and resources for Maryland public school students.

Curator Karen Falk spent time this week on our next exhibition, featuring the work of artist Nancy Patz. Karen also spent time on our Chosen Food exhibition project, submitting a formal loan request to Goucher College, planning the framing of unframed Patz artworks, overseeing the production of design renderings for Chosen Food, and working with website developers on getting the Chosen Food website up and running. I was invited to serve on the Faculty Advisory Committee for the Johns Hopkins Program in Museums and Society for 2010-12.

Best wishes to everyone for a peaceful Sabbath and restful winter weekend.

Avi

Summer 2010 Internships

Summer 2010 Internship Announcements

Orientation for the summer internship program will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.


JMM PHOTO INTERN
The Jewish Museum of Maryland seeks a qualified intern to assist in the photo archives. The Photo Intern will be responsible for processing, cataloging and digitizing the photographic collections of the museum. The photo intern may also be asked to assist with other collections tasks such as photographing objects, exhibition de-installation, exhibition installation, and photographing museum events.
Interested students should be working toward a degree in history, art history, material culture, Jewish studies, museum studies, photography or library science. Previous museum or library experience is not required. The internship is 10 weeks long. This internship can be used for academic credit.
Stipends will be awarded, but will not offset the cost of living in Baltimore. Free parking is provided. Housing is not provided.

Please send a cover letter, resume, availability and list of three references to Ms. Rachel Kassman, Photo Archivist and Librarian, Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore MD 21202 or to rkassman@jewishmuseummd.org. Please include “JMM Photo Intern” in your subject line. Application deadline: March 15, 2010.

BHU ARCHIVES INTERN
The Jewish Museum of Maryland seeks 1-2 qualified graduate interns to assist in the processing of the Baltimore Hebrew University archive collection.
Interested students should be working toward a degree in archival science, library science or history with an archives concentration. Equivalent experience outside an academic environment may be substituted. Previous museum or library experience is not required. The internship is 10 weeks long.
There is a small stipend available for these internship, dependent on number of hours worked. This internship can also be used for academic credit. Stipends will not offset the cost of living in Baltimore. Free parking is provided. Housing is not provided.

Please send a cover letter, resume, availability and list of three references to Ms. Jennifer Vess, Acting Archivist, Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore MD 21202 or to jvess@jewishmuseummd.org. Please include “BHU Archives Intern” in your subject line. Application deadline: March 15, 2010.

EXHIBITION INTERN
The Jewish Museum of Maryland seeks a qualified intern to assist in the Collections and Exhibitions department to work on an upcoming exhibition, Chosen Food: Cuisine, Culture and Jewish Identity. The exhibition intern will be responsible for visual and newspaper research for exhibition development, conducting and/or transcribing oral histories, cataloging new donations and loans, data entry, gallery preparation, and artifact handling.
Interested students should be working toward a degree in history, art history, material culture, Jewish studies, museum studies, or archival science. Previous museum or gallery experience is not required. The internship is 10 weeks long. This internship can be used for academic credit.
Stipends will be awarded, but will not offset the cost of living in Baltimore. Free parking is provided. Housing is not provided.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, availability and list of three references to Ms. Karen Falk, Curator, Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore MD 21202 or to kfalk@jewishmuseummd.org. Please include “Exhibition Intern” in your subject line. Application deadline: March 15, 2010.

COLLECTIONS INTERN
The Jewish Museum of Maryland seeks a qualified intern to assist in the Collections and Exhibitions department to work on general collections management projects. Tasks include, but are not limited to: cataloging new donations and loans, object photography, data entry, reviewing A/V collections, artifact handling, and conducting and/or transcribing oral histories.
Interested students should be working toward a degree in history, art history, material culture, Jewish studies, museum studies, or archival science. Previous museum or gallery experience is not required. The internship is 10 weeks long. This internship can be used for academic credit.
Stipends will be awarded, but will not offset the cost of living in Baltimore. Free parking is provided. Housing is not provided.
Please send a cover letter, resume, availability and list of three references to Ms. Jobi Zink, Sr. Collections Manager, Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore MD 21202 or to jzink@jewishmuseummd.org. Please include “Collections Intern” in your subject line. Application deadline: March 15, 2010.



Education and Program Department

Responsibilities include: leading tours for school and adult groups (training to be provided); developing special programs for schools and teacher training workshops; assisting with preparation for public and family programs; and providing marketing assistance.

Time expectation: 30 hours per week

College undergrad or grad preferred.
Please send resume, cover letter and availability to the following:
Ilene Dackman-Alon, Program Director
The Jewish Museum of Maryland
15 Lloyd Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410.732.6400 X214
idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org



BALTIMORE JEWISH COUNCIL INTERN


The Baltimore Jewish Council seeks a qualified intern to assist in the work of the Holocaust Remembrance Commission (HRC). The HRC works to provide Holocaust education and commemoration to educators, students and the community at large. The HRC intern would be responsible for maintaining the Speakers Bureau, filling requests for Holocaust survivors’ presentations at schools or organizations, and helping in the planning and preparation of upcoming programs, e.g. the Yom HaShoah commemoration (Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 11, 2010) and teacher training workshops.
Interested students should be working toward a degree in history, English, Jewish studies, or education. Previous experience is not required. The internship is 12 weeks long and requires a minimum of 8 hours/week. This internship can be used for academic credit.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, availability and list of three references to Jeanette Parmigiani, Director of Holocaust Programs, Baltimore Jewish Council, 5750 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore MD 21215 or to jparmigiani@baltjc.org. Please include “HRC Intern” in your subject line. Applications reviewed as received.

See Us This Sunday for our 2nd February Author Talk: Jacob's Cane

Check Out Our Purim Pandemonium Co-Sponsor!

Young Adult Megillah Reading
Saturday, February 2
7th, 8:30pm


Join us for a festive Megillah reading by men and women from the B'nai Israel Young Adult community, which will take place at Baltimore's only downtown synagogue.


Then hop next door for the Jewish Museum's Purim Pandemonium party. Chag Purim Sameach! !

חג פורים שמח

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A New Way to Get Your Tickets!


Hello All!

Just a heads up that we have set up a Paypal account for you to buy your Purim Pandemonium tickets! Just follow the link below to purchase yours:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8MTE2TDSBEE7J

Quick, easy, and no extra fees! Don't wait!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Once Upon a Time 2.12.10


The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.

Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 2/12/10

PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1104

Status: Partially Identified. Shabbat Celebration. 1. Lil Shuster 2. Harriet Schwartz Schlein 3. Ronald Rubin 4. Hal Cohen 5. unidentified 6. Jerry Shavrick

Special Thanks to: Jerry Shavrick, Harriet Schwartz Schlein, Charlotte Stein

Once Upon a Time 2.5.10


The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.

Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 2/5/10

PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1101

Status: Partially Identified. Oneg Shabbat, May 4, 1973. Lil Apple, Harriet Schwartz, Sophie Berger or Rose Harrison, 4. unidentified, Dora Collector, Harold Lipsicus, Lil Shuster, 8. unidentified 9. unidentified 10. unidentified 11. unidentified 12. Bernie Rosen 13. unidentified

Special Thanks to: Barbara Ravitz, Jeanne Berger, Rabbi Gustav Buchdah, Jerry Shavrick, Helene Levine

Once Upon a Time 1.29.10


The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.


Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 1/29/10


PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1077


Status: Identified. Shellye Attman Gilden and Sally Thorner at the 1987 Purim Carnival Auction at the JCC.


Special thanks to: Bunny Singer, Sadie Fein, Honey Lipman, Sherrie Polsky, Howard Davidoff, Paula Williams, Dr. Cynthia Miller, Carole Silbel, Sandy Krome, Arnold Fruman, Stephanie Attman, Phyllis Brown, Warren Sollod, Luke Sanders, Rochelle Blumberg, Diane Berger Gensler



Once Upon a Time 1.29.10



The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.

Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 1/29/10

PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1077

Status: Identified. Shellye Attman Gilden and Sally Thorner at the 1987 Purim Carnival Auction at the JCC

Special Thanks to: unny Singer, Sadie Fein, Honey Lipman, Sherrie Polsky, Howard Davidoff, Paula Williams, Dr. Cynthia Miller, Carole Silbel, Sandy Krome, Arnold Fruman, Stephanie Attman, Phyllis Brown, Warren Sollod, Luke Sanders, Rochelle Blumberg, and Diane Berger Gensler


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Once Upon a Time 1.22.10


The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.

Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 1/22/10

PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1058

Status: Partially Identified. Front Row: 1. Freda Garelick 2. Geraldine Himelfarb 3. unidentified Back Row: 1. David Himelfarb 2.possibly Jessie Applebaum 3. possibly Frank Applebaum

Special Thanks to: Anonymous; Sherry Zwagil, Freda Garelick, Erika Wasser, Jackie Himelfarb, Ruth Taubman, Carol Alpert

Once Upon a Time 1.15.10



The Baltimore Jewish Times publishes unidentified photographs from the collection of Jewish Museum of Maryland each week. Click here to see the most recent photo on their website. If you can identify anyone in these photos and more information about them, contact Jobi Zink, Senior Collections Manager and Registrar at 410.732.6400 x226 or jzink@jewishmuseummd.org.

Date(s) run in Baltimore Jewish Times: 1/15/10

PastPerfect Accession #: 2006.013.1124
Status: Partially Identified. Seniors sitting around a table in a decorated sukkah. Albert Musk is on the left. All others unidentified.

Special thanks to: Fern Swerdlin

Education and Program Position Available.

With a heavy heart, I am leaving the Museum after nearly seven years to take a position with the American Association of Museums in Washington, D.C. It has been such a wonderful experience here at the JMM and leaving is bittersweet. As of such, my job at the Museum will be available. The description is as follows:

EDUCATION AND PROGRAM ASSISTANT/COORDINATOR, JEWISH MUSEUM OF MARYLAND

The Jewish Museum of Maryland, a dynamic, growing museum of regional Jewish history, seeks a program and education assistant. Reporting to the education director, the assistant will help conceptualize and implement a variety of Museum programs and special events, including film series, lectures, tours, performances, and exhibition openings. The assistant will also lead school group tours, and help to write curricula and to develop programs for children and families. Additional duties include providing support for our marketing director. Candidate must be an organized, flexible, motivated self-starter with excellent writing, computer, and communication skills.

Energetic, team oriented work environment. Full-time position with occasional Sundays and evenings. Salary high-20s to low 30s depending on experience, excellent benefits package.

Cover letter, resume, three diverse writing samples, and names of three references to: Deborah Cardin, Director of Education, Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, or email to dcardin@jewishmuseummd.org.

Best wishes to all of you! Lauren

Friday, February 12, 2010

Weekly Report: 2.12.10

Dear Friends,

I hope you’ve kept warm and cozy during this long, snowy week. We’ve managed to get into the Museum today for the first time since Tuesday. Nonetheless, it’s been a fairly productive week—a testament to the dedication of the staff and the virtues of telecommuting. As they say, after all, the show must go on.

Speaking of which, Hutzlers: Where Baltimore Shops, our booksigning event with author Michael Lisicky, (rescheduled after last week’s blizzard) will go forward this Sunday 14 February at 2 p.m. Parking will be available in the public lot across from the Museum. If you have questions or would like to make reservations, please contact Ilene Dackman-Alon (idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400, ext. 214).

Karen Falk reports that she kept her interns busy with internet research this week: Richard Conlan is looking for images of food in the “old country” for the Chosen Food exhibition, and Aden Weisel is assigned to help get our Chosen Food microsite up and running. Aden spent time (in between internet outages) looking for websites that might help us drive traffic to our site once it is online. Karen continued to refine the designs of both the Chosen Food exhibition and Nancy Patz: Her Inward Eye (opening in March), and developed interpretive panels for Patz exhibition.

Deb Weiner, Jennifer Vess, and I reviewed final proofs for the Synagogue Speaks exhibition, and we worked with the program staff to plan for the opening. Mark your calendars for the gala event on Sunday 21 March from noon to 4 p.m.

Jobi Zink reviewed grants for the IMLS Museums for America program and prepared for a presentation titled “Once Upon a Time” (which was snowed out but will be rescheduled—maybe after the spring thaw). On Tuesday, when we were briefly at the office, she and Rachel Kassman housed a new Judaica collection we recently received.

Deborah Cardin participated in a conference call with staff from the Associated, the JCC, and the CJE to discuss plans for participation in a Global Day of Jewish Learning scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2010.

Jennifer Vess has been doing research for an article in the next issue of Generations, and did some preparation for our upcoming Purim Pandemonium party (Saturday February 27, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.).

This morning, staff and lay leaders met to discuss our “Telling Time” program, a major oral history initiative in honor of the Museum’s fiftieth anniversary. We’re currently recruiting interviewers to help us collect fifty interviews in 2010. If you’re interested in training to become an interviewer, please contact Jobi Zink at jzink@jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400, ext. 226.


Just before the first storm hit, Esther Weiner traveled to New York for the annual Gift Show at the Javits Center, checking in with vendors and looking at items that she felt would be great for visitors to the JMM and to the Museum Shop. There was an air of optimism about the retail climate from both shoppers and vendors, so we look forward to a great season, especially in light of our 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Museum will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Please note that the Museum will be closed today and tomorrow due to inclement weather. Please check back regarding Thursday. Thank you!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Museum will be CLOSED on Sunday, February 7th

Due to the bountiful snowfall, the Jewish Museum of Maryland will be closed on Sunday, February 7. Stay warm, everyone!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Weekly Report: 2.5.10

Dear Friends --

It seems that as the week draws to a close, everyone at the Museum is rushing around trying to complete projects and tie up loose ends before this weekend’s forecasted storm arrives. If possible, everyone seems to be even more productive than usual.

Speaking of snow . . . Due to the weather, we have RESCHEDULED Hutzlers: Where Baltimore Shops, our booksigning event with author Michael Lisicky, for next Sunday 14 February at 2 p.m. If you have questions or would like to make reservations, please contact Ilene Dackman-Alon (idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400, ext. 214).

Here’s some other news from around the Museum:


INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS


We aren’t kidding when we say that we couldn’t do all we do at the Museum were it not for the hard work and dedication of our interns and volunteers. A sampling of what some of them helped us accomplish this week:


In coordination with the upcoming book program, Hutzlers: Where Baltimore Shops, JMM volunteers Debbie Farthing and Charlotte Knight curated an exhibit in the Samson, Rossetta and Sadie B. Feldman Gallery. Both Debbie and Charlotte are volunteers in the Collections Department and have experience working with textiles. The exhibit will be on display through 14 February, the date of the book program.


We welcomed new intern Richard Conlan this week. Richard, who hails from Damascus, Maryland, graduated from St. Mary’s College in 2008 with a degree in history. He has interned at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and is interested in learning more about the work of museums before committing to a museum career. During his 12-week internship, he will be working with Karen Falk on the Chosen Food exhibition.


Nicole Paterson has been ably assisting the Synagogue Speaks team with all aspects of exhibition development. In addition, she is conducting research on the history of the Museum’s vacant lot on the corner of Lloyd and Lombard Streets, where several row houses once stood.


EXHIBITIONS

This week, the collections staff de-installed and packed the Drawing on Tradition exhibition in preparation for its travel to the Yeshiva University Museum in New York. We are readying The Synagogue Speaks and Nancy Patz: Her Inward Eye for March openings, and are continuing to develop Chosen Food, a major exhibition that will open in 2011.

COLLECTIONS

Jobi Zink reports that this week, we received a wonderful new donation of Judaica, ephemera, and photographs from Beth Jacob Congregation.

Jennifer Vess reports that she made significant progress organizing the exhibition photographs in the institutional archives.

EDUCATION

Deborah Cardin met with Mark Potter, executive director of the Basilica of Baltimore, and Jennifer Frieman, coordinator of the Teaching American History grant for Baltimore City Public Schools, to plan for an upcoming March workshop. The topic of the workshop is the history of religious tolerance in Maryland, and teachers will have the opportunity to tour both the JMM and the Basilica.

On Thursday, Deborah facilitated a workshop for Baltimore City elementary school teachers on immigration history, demonstrating how they can incorporate lesson plans developed for our Voices of Lombard Street exhibition into their curriculum.

RECENT GIFTS

We are very grateful for two new pledges of $5,000 each in support of 50th Anniversary programs: The first, from the Greif Family Fund, supports our exhibition Nancy Patz: Her Inward Eye, which is scheduled to open in the Samson, Rossetta and Sadie B. Feldman Gallery in March. Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Weintraub made a gift in support of Lloyd Street Synagogue rededication events. Among the planned events is a ceremonial rededication of the synagogue’s mezuzah, which was donated by Steven Weintraub’s mother, Florence, in 1964. Special thanks to Barry Lever for securing these generous gifts.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Avi Decter attended the Council of American Jewish Museums’ annual conference. He was elected as CAJM treasurer and steering committee member and appointed to chair CAJM strategic planning. The conference was very meaty—Avi will report on this in his quarterly report to the Board.

Deborah served as a field reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Museums for American grant program.

On Thursday, Ilene Dackman-Alon attended the Greater Baltimore History Alliance meeting at the Maryland Historical Society. The meeting focused on how history museums benefit from partnerships and collaborations with other museums and institutions locally, statewide, and nationally.

I’ve been invited to serve on a panel at an upcoming symposium entitled, “Collections and Communities: Baltimore Today,” sponsored by the Program in Museums and Society at Johns Hopkins University.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

Join us for a booksigning/author talk with Professor Elisa New of Harvard University on 21 February at 2 p.m. In her new book, Jacob’s Cane, Dr. New traces her family’s history as she unravels the mysterious etchings on her great-grandfather’s elegant cane. For reservations, please contact Ilene Dackman-Alon (idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org or 410-732-6400, ext. 214).

Best wishes for a snowy, cozy weekend!

Anita

Hutzler's Program Postponed!


Our Sunday program, Hutzler's: Where Baltimore Shops, has been postponed until Sunday, February 14th from 2 - 3:30pm. In coordination with the upcoming book program, JMM volunteers, Debbie Farthing and Charlotte Knight, curated an exhibit in the Samson, Rosetta and Sadie B. Feldman Gallery. Both Debbie and Charlotte are volunteers in the Collections Department and have experience working with textiles. The exhibit will be on display through February 14.

For more information, please contact Ilene Dackman-Alon at 410.732.6400 x214 or idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org.