The National Museum of American Jewish History is pleased to announce that it will be offering free admission to all visitors throughout the month of February thanks to the support of an anonymous donor. Not only will visitors get to enjoy the entire core exhibition, but will also get a chance to see the iconic 1790 letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island in which the nation’s first president proclaims “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,” underscoring the new nation’s commitment to religious liberty and equality for people of all faiths.
Ivy Barsky, CEO and Gwen Goodman Director of NMAJH, says “In making the month of February free to all visitors, we celebrate the right to religious freedom while making this historic, rarely displayed letter accessible to a wider audience.”
In addition to being able to see the George Washington letter, Free February at NMAJH will offer visitors complimentary access to the Museum’s core exhibition highlighting more than 360-years of Jewish life in America, themed tours, and a special exhibition, American Roots: The Andrews Family.
The exhibition American Roots: The Andrews Family, on view through March 7, tells the story of one family that can trace its roots back to our nation’s founding. Going back more than 300 years and eleven generations, the Andrews family tree includes one of the most well-known Jewish participants in the American Revolution, Haym Salomon (1740-1785). Visitors will have the opportunity to view artifacts from the family’s rich history.
As in prior years, the Museum will also be open and free on Presidents Day, Monday, February 15. Visitors on this special day will be treated to greetings from an actor portraying George Washington, interactive tours highlighting the theme of religious freedom, and family activities. They will also have the opportunity to write their own letters about freedom with a quill pen.
The Museum Café will help ward off the cold with hot chocolate and grilled cheese throughout the month.
The National Museum of American Jewish History, located on historic Independence Mall in Philadelphia, brings to life the 360-year history of Jews in America. Tracing the stories of how Jewish immigrants became Jewish Americans, the Museum invites visitors of all backgrounds to share their own stories and reflect on how their histories and identities shape and are shaped by the American experience. An open door for all, NMAJH honors the past and contributes to a better future by sharing the power of imagination and ideas, culture and community, leadership and service, in ways that turn inspiration into action.
The National Museum of American Jewish History is located at 101 South Independence Mall East at the corner of Fifth and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Museum hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. NMAJH is closed most Mondays, including federal holidays and some Jewish holidays. Museum admission is $12.00 for adults, $11.00 for senior citizens and youth, free for children 12 and under, Museum Members, and active military with ID. For more information, visit NMAJH.org or call 215.923.3811.
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