Newton Minow Encourages Vast Numbers To Support New Museum
Yes, Newton Minow will forever best be known for calling television programming a "vast wasteland" in a 1961 speech during his tenure as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Yet, even a quick glance at his resume reveals a career that will be remembered for far more than a sound bite.
 Currently senior counsel in Sidley Austin LLP's Chicago office, Minow has held a series of high-profile positions over the years, including serving as chairman of the Carnegie Foundation, chairman of the RAND Corporation, and co-chair of the 1976 and 1980 presidential debates. He currently is vice chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates and served as chairman of a special Advisory Committee to the Secretary of Defense on protecting civil liberties in the fight against terrorism.
Now, he has added another affiliation to the list: Founding Member of the National Museum of American Jewish History.
"I'm very proud of two things, to be an American and Jewish," he said, explaining why he supports the Museum. "Jews have made enormous contributions to the United States and I want to make every effort to bring that message to the country."
Minow joins the growing list of more than 7,500 people who have supported the Founding Membership Campaign of the Museum. By making a Founding Membership gift, individuals are supporting what will be an iconic institution on Independence Mall, as well as a leading national education and cultural center.
Founding Memberships may be purchased for your family or others with a gift of $54. Founding Members who make a minimum gift of $90 will receive a limited edition print depicting world-renowned architect James Polshek's design for the new Museum. Founding Members will also be invited to participate in the Museum's opening celebrations and have unlimited opportunities to visit NMAJH throughout the membership term. The names of all Founding Members will also be permanently listed in an interactive database in the Museum.
The new Museum is scheduled to open November 14, 2010.
Visit the Museum's website for information on becoming a Founding Member and the benefits provided at each level of donation, or call the development office at 215.923.3811 x 104.
For information on ways to participate in the Museum's Capital Campaign, contact Irv Hurwitz, the Museum's Director of Institutional Advancement, at 215.923.3811 x133 or via email at ihurwitz@nmajh.org.
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Museum Artifact Tells Story Of Jews In Civil Rights Movement
Inspired by the African-American struggle for freedom, Jews participated in the civil rights movement in disproportionate numbers, contributing funds, time, passion, and, on rare occasions, even their lives.
The African-American struggle to overcome deeply entrenched racism struck a chord with Jews, who saw parallels in their own experiences. Many Jews had been connected to the movement for years. Some took part in the NAACP's 1909 founding and championed improved educational opportunities.
The Museum will explore the civil rights movement on its second floor, titled "Choices and Challenges of Freedom:1945 - Today." The button pictured above will be displayed in a gallery focusing on the civil rights movement, the women's movement, and the campaign for Soviet Jewry. This gallery demonstrates how a communal sense of responsibility propelled American Jews into becoming assertive advocates for ending discrimination and improving conditions for minority populations throughout American society.
The Museum is currently searching for civil rights related artifacts to expand its collection of Jewish Americana. The premise of NMAJH collecting is that history affects all people and that everyone has valuable stories to tell. The Museum has artifacts that date from the Colonial period to the present day. The wide variety of artifacts in the collection vividly evokes the diversity of the American Jewish experience.
If you have an object you'd like the Museum to consider for donation, please contact Rebecca Levine, the Museum's associate registrar, at rlevine@nmajh.org or at 215.923.3811 x 138.
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Museum Exhibit Tells Children The Story Of Western Migration
In the fall of 1853, Jewish immigrants Fanny and Julius Brooks arrived from Germany to seek their dreams in the American West.
Fanny and Julius faced a long, difficult journey in their search for a new home. After arriving in New York, they bought two small mules and a covered wagon and filled it with all the things they would need for the trip. They traveled to California, Oregon, and Utah, where they finally established a home for their family in Salt Lake City.
 The story of Fanny Brooks' journey will be told in a way that will introduce children to the topics of migration, struggle, and moving westward. The exhibit, located on the 4th floor of the Museum's core exhibition, "Foundations of Freedom: 1654 - 1880," will include hands-on experiences. Children will be able to explore a covered wagon, try on pioneer clothing, and decide what they would pack if they were going on journeys of their own.
"This gallery represents the Museum's commitment to providing educational hands-on experiences for children and their families," said Dr. Josh Perelman, the Museum's historian and deputy director of programming.
Visitors to this section of the exhibit will learn about the significant minority of Jews who settled throughout the western territories. The galleries discuss how these Jews joined the pioneers moving westward, drawn by the gold rush, the lure of economic opportunity and adventure.
The new Museum is scheduled to open November 14.
For an up-to-date picture of the construction site that refreshes every 15 minutes, view our Museum-Cam. To see additional photos of the Museum's construction like those above, click here.
For information on ways to participate in the Museum's Capital Campaign, contact Irv Hurwitz, the Museum's Director of Institutional Advancement, at 215.923.3811 x133 or via email at ihurwitz@nmajh.org.
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Museum Shop Holds Closing Sale
Current Location To Close End Of June
The Museum Shop, which is closing its current location on June 30, is holding a blowout moving sale. Visitors receive 30 percent off almost every item in stock now through closing. A new, expanded Museum Shop will open along with the new Museum November 14 of this year.
The Museum Shop  carries Judaica from a variety of artists such as this honey jar, pictured at left, by artist Steve Resnick. Items for every major Jewish holiday adorn the shelves as do books, tallitot, kippot, a variety of hand-crafted jewelry and much more.
The sale does not apply to ketubot and sterling silver items.
Shop in person or browse items online at www.judaicashop.net. Online items must be in stock for the discount. For more information e-mail Eva Schlanger or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262.
The Museum Shop is open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-
5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday 12 noon - 5 p.m.
Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.
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Go Coconuts Over JDub Records New CD
The Museum is teaming up with JDub Records to offer three copies of "Let's Go Coconuts!," their newly released children's CD to NMAJH E-Newsletter subscribers.
 After six years of producing Jewish music for grown-ups, JDub has decided to offer something for younger fans, beginning with the dynamic "Let's Go Coconuts!" from new band The Macaroons. The Macaroons ask the burning questions curious Jewish kids want to know, like what's inside a mezuzah? What should you do if you drop your matzoh ball on the ground? Who's the man we love to boo? The Macaroons bring the catchy pop-rock with tunes like "Rock & Roll Yarmulke" and "Flying on Matzoh Brei."
The record, comprised of 17 power-pop tracks is perfect for parents looking for an alternative to the boring lullabies of their youth.
Be one of the first three subscribers to e-mail elliot@jdubrecords.org to receive a free copy of the CD.
To purchase a CD, visit JDub's website store.
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