Collection #

M 0743,
OMB 0082,
BV 3326–3376,
F 1309–1349,
CT 0902–0931

 

 

Indiana Jewish Historical Society
collection, 1845–
2002

Collection Information

Historical Sketch

Scope and Content Note

Series Table of Contents

Cataloging Information

 

 

 

Processed by

Paul Brockman
25 September 2000
Revised 1 July 2003

Manuscript and Visual Collections Department
William Henry Smith Memorial Library
Indiana Historical Society
450 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269

www.indianahistory.org

 

 

COLLECTION INFORMATION

VOLUME OF
COLLECTION:

138 manuscript boxes, 2 oversize boxes, 50 bound volumes, 41 reels of microfilm, 30 cassette tapes, 2 video recordings

COLLECTION
DATES:

1845–2002

PROVENANCE:

Indiana Jewish Historical Society, 124 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, 28 September 1999

RESTRICTIONS:

None

COPYRIGHT:

 

REPRODUCTION
RIGHTS:

Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained from the Indiana Historical Society.

ALTERNATE
FORMATS:

None

RELATED
HOLDINGS:

Jewish Welfare Federation (M 0463); B'nai B'rith Abraham Lodge No. 58, Indianapolis (M 0362); Congregation Ezras Achim Minute Book, Indianapolis (BV 1975–1976); Jewish Community Center Records, Indianapolis (M 0349);  Julian Freeman Collection, Indianapolis (M 0356); National Conference of Christian and Jews, Indiana Region Records   (M 0360); Yearly publication series of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society (F 5355 .J5 I5)

ACCESSION
NUMBER:

1999.0551, 2003.0285

NOTES:

Researchers should cite the collection as: Indiana Jewish Historical Society Collection of the Indiana Historical Society.

This is an active collection and additions will be made periodically.

HistoriCAL SKETCH

The Indiana Jewish Historical Society was founded in 1972 to collect, preserve and publish material involving two hundred years of Jewish life in Indiana.  The organization aims to gather and preserve the records of synagogues, temples and societies; Jewish life cycle demonstrations, such as Bar Mitzvah certificates, Confirmation certificates, Katubbot (marriage contracts); personal memorabilia, scrapbooks and diaries; burial and cemetery records; government documents such as naturalization records; newspaper and magazine articles; and photographs.

Another goal of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society is to provide data not always available to historians, scholars and authors, thus helping to provide an awareness of the role played by Jews and Jewish communities in the creation of the religious climate of Indiana.

The IJHS founders ensured that the Jewish experience throughout the state would be preserved and conveyed.  They began an annual publication, Indiana Jewish History, which recorded:

Sources: Preface and Introduction from A Users Guide to the Indianapolis Holdings of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection is divided into four major series. The first series includes records from the Fort Wayne Jewish community (boxes 1–39); series two is from the Indianapolis community (boxes 40–66); series three represents all other Indiana cities and towns that have contributed information to the Indiana Jewish Historical Society (boxes 67–121); and series four contains records from statewide organizations (boxes 122–136).  Future additions and donations will be added as received and will be retained by towns and communities.  There will be no attempt to interfile additions with the original collection.

Among the Fort Wayne materials are records and publications of the city's two primary congregations, Congregation B’nai Jacob (1914–94) and Congregation Acduth Vesholom (1848–1991).  B'nai Jacob material includes files and records for men's and women's organizations, temple information, newsletters, and activities.  Acduth Vesholom files contain information on anniversaries, temple construction, sisterhood and brotherhood meetings, newsletters, and historical information.  Other Fort Wayne groups include the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne (1949–95), B'nai B'rith (1905–81), Hadassah (1928–58) and ORT (1981–90).  Records of these groups include minutes, newsletters, membership information and activities.  Additional Fort Wayne material includes photographs, videotapes, cemetery records, individual and family files and genealogies, rabbis, and general historical information.

Indianapolis items include records, correspondence, minutes, and the religious, social, and political activities of several congregations including Congregation Sharah Tefilla (1855–1932), Congregation B'nai Torah (1968–96), Congregation Beth-El Zedeck (1943–96), Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (1856–1995), and Etz Chaim (1922–96).  The section also comprises the records of numerous Indianapolis Jewish organizations including B'nai B'rith (1909–96), the National Council of Jewish Women (1904–96), the Jewish Welfare Federation (1952–96), the Indianapolis Board of Rabbis (1978–95), and associations concerning the needs of children, Jewish education, and the elderly such as the Jewish Community Center, UAHC camp, Camp Big Eagle, Hooverwood, and Park Regency Apartments (1931–95).  There also are biographical and genealogical files for prominent individuals, Rabbis, and Cantors. Also included are photographs and a small number of artifacts.

The records also contain information on the Jewish presence in 67 other Indiana cities and towns.  Some of the more prominent areas with a substantial amount of material include Columbia City, Elkhart, Evansville, Gary, Hammond, Lafayette, Ligonier, Michigan City, Marion, Muncie, South Bend, Terre Haute, and Wabash.  Materials include congregational records and activities, fraternal and charitable organizations, and the files of individuals. Some of the oldest and most complete records are:

Records for state organizations include B'nai B'rith (Hillel and women's division), and other Jewish women's organizations such as the National Council of Jewish Women and Temple Sisterhoods.  This section also contains the operational and organizational records of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society and general historical information.  B'nai B'rith material is comprised of annual reports (1946–62), state convention programs and information (1924–84), files and correspondence (1925–83), board meeting minutes for the Anti-Defamation League (1956–75), records of the Hillel chapters for Purdue and Indiana universities (1939–55), and meetings and publications for B'nai B'rith Women (1960–77).  Other women's organizational records include proceedings and publications of the National Council of Jewish Women (1896–51) and minutes and publications of Temple Sisterhoods (1922–80).  General Indiana Jewish historical information includes cemetery records, music, and publications.  Indiana Jewish Historical Society records include meeting minutes and  information, correspondence, membership lists, organizational documents and newsletters (1972–98).

series table of CONTENTS

Series 1: FORT WAYNE

8

Cemeteries, 1913–82

8

B'nai Jacob, 1914–94

8

Congregation Achduth Vesholom

10

Federation History, 1949–95

15

Historical Information, 1882–1994

17

Holy Days, 1887–1994

18

Individuals

18

Interfaith, 1968–90

25

Visual Images, 1880s–1980s

25

Organizations, 1922–95

26

Acduth Vesholom Congregation Sisterhood

28

Rabbis, 1862–1991

30

Temple Bulletins, 1976–83

30

Fort Wayne Jewish Federation, Publications & Activities

32

Series 2: INDIANAPOLIS

33

Cantors

33

Congregations

33

Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

35

Education, 1892–1995

37

Genealogies

38

Historical Information, 1909–54

39

Individuals

40

Organizations

45

B'nai B'rith

46

National Council of Jewish Women

46

Indianapolis Board of Rabbis, 1978–95

47

Indiana Union of Jewish Youth, 1939–41

47

JCRC, 1974–77

48

Organizations

48

Publications, 1894–1975

49

Rabbis

50

Series 3: INDIANA CITIES & TOWNS

50

Attica–Connersville

50

Bloomington

52

Columbia City

53

Crawfordsville–Goshen

54

Elkhart, Temple Israel

56

Elkhart General Files, 1945–95

56

Evansville

57

Gary, Temple Israel, 1975–86

59

Gary, Hadassah Yearbooks

59

Gary, Jewish Ladies Benevolent Society

59

Gary, Hadassah

59

Gary, Individuals

60

Gary, B'nai B'rith

61

Gary, Temple Beth-El, 1915–76

61

Hammond, Kneseth Israel

62

Hammond, B'nai B'rith, 1917–86

63

Hammond, 1915–95

64

Hammond, Individuals & Obituaries

64

Hammond, Illiana News

66

Hartfort City–Kokomo

66

Lafayette, Sons of Abraham, 1923–95

67

Lafayette, B'nai B'rith, 1868–1941

68

Lafayette, Congregations & Organizations

68

Lafayette/West Lafayette Individuals

70

Lafayette, Newsclippings

70

Ligonier, Historical & Congregational

71

Ligonier, Individuals

73

LaGrange–Madison

74

Marion, 1924–93

75

Michigan City, 1900–88

76

Muncie

77

Mount Vernon–North Manchester

78

Northwest Indiana–Rochester

79

South Bend, Congregations & Organizations

81

South Bend, Individuals

84

Terre Haute, Congregations & Organizations

85

Terre Haute, Individuals

89

Schereville–Vincennes

90

Wabash

90

Wakarusa–Zionsville

92

Series 4: STATE ORGANIZATIONS

92

B'nai B'rith, Hillel

92

JCRC, 1959–72

99

UAHC, 1955–95

100

National Council of Christians & Jews, 1957–58

100

Historical Records, Jewish Cemeteries

100

Audiocasettes of Interviews and Historical Information

102

Miscellaneous

103

IJHS Organization Records

103

 


Series 1: FORT WAYNE

Cemeteries, 1913–82

CONTENTS

CONTAINER

Broadway Cemetery, 1913–82

Box 1, Folder 1

AV Congregation, Cemetery Lots, 1974

Box 1, Folder 2

Columbia City Cemetery, 1980

Box 1, Folder 3

Orthodox Jewish Cemetery Records, n.d.

Box 1, Folder 4

Orthodox Jewish Cemetery Records, 1912–81

Box 1, Folder 5

Orthodox Jewish Cemetery Records, 1912–81

BV 3364–3365

Orthodox Jewish Cemetery Records, List of Graves, n.d.

Box 1, Folder 6

Lindenwood Cemetery Lots, 1974 (1 of 5)

Box 1, Folder 7

Lindenwood Cemetery Lots, 1974 (2 of 5)

Box 1, Folder 8

Lindenwood Cemetery Lots, 1974 (3 of 5)

Box 1, Folder 9

Lindenwood Cemetery Lots, 1974 (4 of 5)

Box 1, Folder 10

Lindenwood Cemetery Lots, 1974 (5 of 5)

Box 1, Folder 11

B’nai Israel Congregation Records, 1857–97; Jewish Cemetery Association Minutes, 1911–60

F 1309

B’nai Jacob, 1914–94

CONTENTS

CONTAINER

Children of Israel, 1975

Box 2, Folder 1

Anniversaries, 1982, 1987

Box 2, Folder 2

Directors, 1973–82

Box 2, Folder 3

Confirmation, 1973–75

Box 2, Folder 4

Cornerstone Laying, 1930

Box 2, Folder 5

IJHS Correspondence, 1972

Box 2, Folder 6

Membership, 1990–91

Box 2, Folder 7

Men's Club, 1984

Box 2, Folder 8

Newsletter, 1994

Box 2, Folder 9

Photos, n.d.

Box 2, Folder 10

Sisterhood, 1951–54

Box 2, Folder 11

Sisterhood, 1955–90

Box 2, Folder 12

Special Events, 1945–95

Box 2, Folder 13

Veterans, 1985

Box 2, Folder 14

Synagogue Photograph, 1914

Box 2, Folder 15

Attacks on Synagogue, 1982, 1989

Box 2, Folder 16

Fairfield Synagogue, 1990

Box 2, Folder 17

Dedication, 1956 (1 of 3)

Box 2, Folder 18

Dedication, 1956 (2 of 3)

Box 2, Folder 19

Dedication, 1956 (3 of 3)

Box 2, Folder 20

Synagogue Plans, 1956 (1 of 3)

Box 3, Folder 1

Synagogue Plans, 1956 (2 of 3)

Box 3, Folder 2

Synagogue Plans, 1956 (3 of 3)

Box 3, Folder 3

Youth League Minutes, 1941–42

Box 3, Folder 4

Receipt Book, 1925–30

Box 3, Folder 5

Check Stubs, 1948

Box 3, Folder 6

Cash Disbursements, Oct. 1936–Sept. 1952

Box 3, Folder 7

Congregation Achduth Vesholom

CONTENTS

CONTAINER

50th Anniversary, 1898

Box 4, Folder 1

75th Anniversary, 1923

Box 4, Folder 2

100th Anniversary, 1948

Box 4, Folder 3

120th Anniversary, 1968

Box 4, Folder 4

125th Anniversary, 1973 (1 of 2)

Box 4, Folder 5

125th Anniversary, 1973 (2 of 2)

Box 4, Folder 6

125th Anniversary Committee (1 of 4)

Box 4, Folder 7

125th Anniversary Committee (2 of 4)

Box 4, Folder 8

125th Anniversary Committee (3 of 4)

Box 4, Folder 9

125th Anniversary Committee (4 of 4)

Box 4, Folder 10

Temple #1, 1848

Box 4, Folder 11

Temple #2, 1857

Box 4, Folder 12

Temple #3, 1875–1915

Box 4, Folder 13

Temple #4, 1915–61

Box 4, Folder 14

Temple #5, 1961

Box 4, Folder 15

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1955–58 (1 of 3)

Box 5, Folder 1

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1955–58 (2 of 3)

Box 5, Folder 2

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1955–58 (3 of 3)

Box 5, Folder 3

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1959–61 (1 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 4

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1959–61 (2 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 5

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1959–61 (3 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 6

New Temple Future Planning Committee, 1959–61 (4 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 7

New Temple Dedication (1 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 8

New Temple Dedication (2 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 9

New Temple Dedication (3 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 10

New Temple Dedication (4 of 4)

Box 5, Folder 11

Transmittals for New Building Fund, 1961

Box 5, Folder 12

New Building Drawings, 1961

Box 5, Folder 13

Analysis and Tabulations of Bids for New Temple, n.d.

Box 5, Folder 14

Art/Beautification, 1975–79

Box 6, Folder 1

Confirmation, 1898–1990 (1 of 2)

Box 6, Folder 2

Confirmation, 1898–1990 (2 of 2)

Box 6, Folder 3

Confirmation Photographs, 1944–50, n.d.

Box 6, Folder 4

Music, 1976–82, n.d.

Box 6, Folder 5

Religious School, 1973–85

Box 6, Folder 6

Services, 1957–91

Box 6, Folder 7

Doppelt Service Dedication, 1976

Box 6, Folder 8

Youth Group, 1955–89

Box 6, Folder 9

Religious School Photographs, 1930s–50 (1 of 2)

Box 6, Folder 10

Religious School Photographs, 1930s–50s (2 of 2)

Box 6, Folder 11

Sisterhood History, 1914–64 (1 of 3)

Box 7, Folder 1

Sisterhood History, 1914–64 (2 of 3)

Box 7, Folder 2

Sisterhood History, 1914–64 (3 of 3)

Box 7, Folder 3

Sisterhood Centennial, 1946–68

Box 7, Folder 4

Sisterhood Programs, 1914–76

Box 7, Folder 5

Sisterhood Programs, 1914–76

Box 7, Folder 6

Sisterhood: Mother-Daughter Programs, 1935–62 (1 of 2)

Box 7, Folder 7

Sisterhood: Mother-Daughter Programs, 1935–62 (2 of 2)

Box 7, Folder 8

Sisterhood Membership Lists, 1946, 1973–91

Box 7, Folder 9

Sisterhood Minutes, 1931–43

Box 7, Folder 10

Sisterhood Minutes, 1943–53

Box 8, Folder 1

Sisterhood Minutes, 1954–56

Box 8, Folder 2

Sisterhood Board Records, 1955–58

Box 8, Folder 3

Sisterhood Minutes, 1958–60

Box 8, Folder 4

Sisterhood Minutes, 1961–62 (1 of 2)

Box 8, Folder 5

Sisterhood Minutes, 1961–62 (2 of 2)

Box 8, Folder 6

Sisterhood Minutes, 1963–64

Box 8, Folder 7

Sisterhood Minutes, 1964

Box 8, Folder 8

Sisterhood Minutes, 1965–66

Box 8, Folder 9

Sisterhood Minutes, 1966–69

Box 8, Folder 10

Sisterhood Ledger, 1930–46

Box 8A, Folder 1

Sisterhood Ledger, 1951–55

Box 8A, Folder 2

Sisterhood Ledger, 1956–60

Box 8A, Folder 3

Annual Meetings, 1929–84 (1 of 3)

Box 9, Folder 1

Annual Meetings, 1929–84 (2 of 3)

Box 9, Folder 2

Annual Meetings, 1929–84 (3 of 3)

Box 9, Folder 3

Annual Meetings, 1985–91 (1 of 2)

Box 9, Folder 4

Annual Meetings, 1985–91 (2 of 2)

Box 9, Folder 5

Constitution and By-Laws, 1894–1956

Box 9, Folder 6

Committee Reports, 1976, 1981

Box 9, Folder 7

Membership, 1966–78

Box 9, Folder 8

Minutes, 1979–80 (1 of 3)

Box 9, Folder 9

Minutes, 1979–80 (2 of 3)

Box 9, Folder 10

Minutes, 1979–80 (3 of 3)

Box 9, Folder 11

Brotherhood Constitution and Minutes, 1958–61

Box 10, Folder 1

Brotherhood Minutes, 1958–71 (1 of 5)

Box 10, Folder 2

Brotherhood Minutes, 1958–71 (2 of 5)

Box 10, Folder 3

Brotherhood Minutes, 1958–71 (3 of 5)

Box 10, Folder 4

Brotherhood Minutes, 1958–71 (4 of 5)

Box 10, Folder 5

Brotherhood Minutes, 1958–71 (5 of 5)

Box 10, Folder 6

Brotherhood, 1970–72

Box 10, Folder 7

Brotherhood, Football Games, 1964–69

Box 10, Folder 8

Histories, 1889–1970s

Box 11, Folder 1

History, 1800s

Box 11, Folder 2

History, Early 1900s

Box 11, Folder 3

History, 1848 By-Laws

Box 11, Folder 4

List of Officers, 1848–1900

Box 11, Folder 5

List of Officers, 1900–75

Box 11, Folder 6

Honor Roll, 1971 (Veterans)

Box 11, Folder 7

Board of Directors, 1974–80

Box 11, Folder 8

Summary of Minutes, 1848–1971

Box 11, Folder 9

Minutes and Related Materials, 1950

Box 11, Folder 10

Minutes and Related Materials, 1948–49

Box 11, Folder 11

Notes from Minute Books, 1848–1971 (1 of 2)

Box 11, Folder 12

Notes from Minute Books, 1848–1971 (2 of 2)

Box 11, Folder 13

Constitution und Nebengesetze, 1848

BV 3326

Records of Congregation Achduth Vesholom, 1848–83

BV 3327

Congregation Achduth Vesholom minute book, 1865–76

BV 3328

Achduth Vesholom minute book, 1876–87

BV 3329

Achduth Vesholom minute book, 1887–1900

BV 3330

Achduth Vesholom minute book, 1900–14

BV 3331

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1918–26

BV 3332

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1927–30

BV 3333

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1931–35

BV 3334

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1931–39

BV 3335

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1940–43

BV 3336

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1944–45

BV 3337

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1946–47

BV 3338

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1948–50

BV 3339

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1951–52

BV 3340

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1953

BV 3341

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1954–55

BV 3342

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1956

BV 3343

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1957

BV 3344

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1958

BV 3345

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1959

BV 3346

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1960–61

BV 3347

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1961–62

BV 3348

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1962–64

BV 3349

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1964–65

BV 3350

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1965–66

BV 3351

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1966–67

BV 3352

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1967–68

BV 3353

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1968–1970

BV 3354

Achduth Vesholom Congregation minutes, 1970–71

BV 3355

100th Anniversary Booklets, 1948

Box 12, Folder 1

125th Anniversary Booklets, 1973

Box 12, Folder 2

Sisterhood Scrapbook, 1950–56 (1 of 3)

Box 12, Folder 3

Sisterhood Scrapbook, 1950–56 (2 of 3)

Box 12, Folder 4

Sisterhood Scrapbook, 1950–56 (3 of 3)

Box 12, Folder 5

Documentation and Correspondence, 1861–1938

Box 12, Folder 6

Ft. Wayne CAV Documents, 1861–1938

OMB 0082, Box 1, Folder 1

Sisterhood Scrapbook, 1956–57

Box 13, Folder 1

Sisterhood Scrapbook, 1959

Box 13, Folder 2

Sisterhood Scrapbook, 1961–62

Box 14

Federation History, 1949–95

CONTENTS

CONTAINER

History, 1949–95

Box 15, Folder 1

Annual Meetings, 1966–95 (1 of 2)

Box 15, Folder 2

Annual Meetings, 1966–95 (2 of 2)

Box 15, Folder 3

Federation Business, 1966–87

Box 15, Folder 4

Federation Literature Project, 1955–71

Box 15, Folder 5

Federation Photographs, 1955–71

Box 15, Folder 6

Federation Special Events, 1960s

Box 15, Folder 7

Federation Special Events, 1970s

Box 15, Folder 8

Federation Special Events, 1980s

Box 15, Folder 9

Federation Special Events, 1990s

Box 15, Folder 10

Federation Fund Drive, 1979–80

Box 15, Folder 11

Federation Photographs, 1949–53

Box 15, Folder 12

Fort Wayne Jewish Federation Board of Directors Minutes, May 1982–June 1983

BV 3360

Fort Wayne Jewish Federation Board of Directors Minutes, August 1983–June 1985

BV 3361

Fort Wayne Jewish Federation Board of Directors Minutes, September 1985–June 1987

BV 3362

Ft. Wayne, Ind. Jewish Federation minutes, 1924–53

F 1310

Ft. Wayne, Ind. Jewish Federation minutes, June 1953–Dec. 1964

F 1311

Ft. Wayne, Ind. Jewish Federation minutes, Jan. 1965–Dec. 1970

F 1312

Ft. Wayne, Ind. Jewish Federation minutes, 1971–83

F 1313

Federation Membership, 1947–51

Box 16, Folder 1

Federation Membership,