Exhibits

The Jewish Museum of Maryland’s Generations magazine, published from 1978 to 2012, offered 30 issues of insightful stories from more than 180 contributors, amateur and professional writers alike. Covering a wide range of topics, it became a cornerstone for sharing Maryland’s Jewish history and culture. More than a decade after its final issue, we are excited to reopen our renovated museum with an exhibit that reactivates Generations. This reimagined presentation will reinterpret select articles through contemporary lenses and share these stories in fresh, engaging formats, welcoming audiences ranging from longtime supporters (and even former contributors) to those discovering our institution for the first time.

Beyond honoring this treasured publication, the exhibit explores some of its primary themes—migration, nostalgia, and food—through the perspectives of multiple curators. Each theme will be brought to life with innovative storytelling that highlights both the enduring and evolving significance of these topics.

Opening February 2, 2025

This multimedia exhibit delves into the lives and legacies of several immigrant musicians—both celebrated and little-known—who shaped the rich tapestry of American music in the early to mid-20th century. During this era of rapid expansion in the U.S. sound recording industry, countless immigrant artists recorded songs from their homelands, preserving and transforming cultural traditions. Among them were Jewish musicians from Aleppo, Baghdad, Istanbul, Ioannina, Izmir, and beyond, who performed not only for their Jewish communities but also within Armenian, Greek, and Arab circles, united by shared languages and cultural bonds.

Curated by Baltimore-based music historian and record producer Ian Nagoski, this exhibit brings nearly two decades of research on Near Eastern music in 20th-century America to life, offering visitors an intimate exploration of music as a bridge between worlds.

February 2, 2025 - June 1, 2025

This community-sourced exhibit presents the breadth and diversity of Maryland’s Jewish communities through the lens of personal family photographs. Featuring a dynamic and evolving collection, Picturing Past + Present invites visitors to explore the stories of Jewish Marylanders, told through images spanning generations—from the earliest days of family history to contemporary life.

The exhibit includes two interconnected displays: a rotating presentation of selected photographs, showcasing the wide-ranging experiences of Jewish Marylanders, and an interactive terminal where visitors can search names, keywords, and stories to make personal connections and dive deeper into the collection. Designed as a growing collection, the exhibit will continue to evolve as new submissions are added, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and inclusive reflection of Maryland’s Jewish heritage.

Through this ongoing project, the Jewish Museum of Maryland aims to create a space where Jewish Marylanders can see themselves and their community represented, fostering a shared sense of belonging and connection.

If you’d like to see your family’s story included, we encourage you to participate.

Opening February 2, 2025