Rising five stories above Independence Mall, in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the National Museum of American Jewish History features a number of educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of Jews within America, making it a very invaluable day out with the children.
This great museum really tells it like it is, and they also tell you what it was like in the 17th century when great, great, great, great, great (well, you get the idea) Grandpa Shmuel stepped off that boat from Spain, or Russia, only to find himself on streets that were barely paved, and people were speaking languages he had never heard before.
Maybe Granda Shumel had money, maybe he didn't have any, but what did have (if he were lucky) were useful skills.
Kids can learn about jews who migrated to America from all around the world, who became todays Jewish America. It's a wonderful educational experience for them to see where "Americans" hailed from, and how the country is wonderfully multicultural, and that's what makes it special!
The exhibits also discuss what these immigrants would have had to go through, what they overcame, what barriers they overturned, and how they evolved into one of the nation's most visible and multi-faceted immigrant communities.
Every immigration story within the galleries are different, but they all show that the US wouldn't be the same without them!
It's all quite inspiring!
The Museum is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, on the corner of Fifth and Market Streets,
across from Independence Mall and within view of the Liberty Bell.
For GPS purposes, enter S Independence Mall E & Ludlow St, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Free!
Free!
2023
The Museum Store has a snack bar with cozy seating, which offers coffee and tea, cold beverages, and small, kosher, packaged goods (granola bars, candy, yogurt, etc.). Abundant dining options are available in the Museum’s immediate neighborhood too!
Any high-school teen living in Philadelphia can sign up on their website for a free STAMP Pass. Present it to receive free general admission!
The Museum Store offers a wide variety of contemporary and traditional Judaica, gifts, jewelry, and Museum merchandise, as well as a Ketubah/bridal and Bar/Bat Mitzvah registry.
The main entrance on Market Street and all public areas within the Museum, including restrooms and water fountains, are wheelchair-accessible. All floors can be reached by elevator.
A limited number of standard wheelchairs are available at the Admissions Desk free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. A form of ID is required in exchange. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance.
Free public "Highlights" tours (~60 minutes) are usually offered daily at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Availability is subject to change, so please check at the Admissions Desk on the day of your visit for confirmed times.
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