Jewish Historical Museum, Saint John

The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum serves as a custodian of the rich history and heritage of the Jewish community in the city. Established in 1986 by founder Marcia Koven, the museum operates on a community history model, with strong support from local members of the Jewish community through artifact donations and active participation.

The roots of the Jewish community in Saint John can be traced back to the mid-1800s, with Solomon Hart, a businessman from England, emerging as a pivotal figure. Solomon, along with his wife Sarah Hart, founded the existing Jewish community in Saint John in 1858. The community's first synagogue was established in 1889, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural landscape.

During the 1920s, immigration from northern and eastern Europe contributed to the growth of the Jewish community, reaching approximately 1400 members. However, subsequent decades saw a decline in immigration, and out-migration to larger cities led to a reduction in the Jewish population, with around 300 members in the 1960s. Presently, there are roughly two dozen Jewish families in the congregation.

The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum features a collection of permanent exhibits that showcase the community's history, supplemented by new exhibits introduced each year. Additionally, the museum occasionally hosts traveling exhibits, offering visitors a dynamic and diverse perspective on the Jewish experience in Saint John.