Capital Jewish Museum 150th anniversary exhibition

The Capital Jewish Museum marks the 150th anniversary of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue with a dedicated exhibition and a special public celebration on June 10, 2026. This milestone coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a convergence the museum highlights as no coincidence: the synagogue’s founders timed its dedication to the 1876 centennial to affirm Jewish belonging and patriotism. The exhibition is permanent, showcasing the building’s 150‑year history through foundational artifacts, community advocacy stories, and exhibition cases on Jewish engagement in patriotic celebrations in 1876, 1926, and 1976. Highlights include the Mordecai Bible, a time capsule for future reflections (to be opened in 2076), and self‑guided walking tours of Jewish DC updated from a 1976 version. The June 10 event is the public celebration of the anniversary, held from 6 to 8 PM, and serves as the centerpiece of broader summer‑and‑fall programming exploring connections between American Jewish life and the Declaration of Independence.

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Showtimes: This is a two‑hour program; the permanent exhibition is open during regular museum hours after the event.
Tickets: Free with general admission; advance reservations are recommended via the museum website.
Lineup: The exhibition includes the permanent 150‑year history display on the first and second floors, featuring the Mordecai Bible, historic photographs of the synagogue’s 1969 relocation and 2019 move, and cases highlighting patriotic celebrations in 1876, 1926, and 1976. The June 10 program likely includes a dedication ceremony, remarks, and opportunities to view the exhibition.
Run time: The celebration runs two hours; the exhibition is ongoing.
Ages: No age restrictions are specified; the exhibition and program are family‑friendly.
Venue: Capital Jewish Museum, with the exhibition on the first and second floors.
Accessibility: The museum provides an accessibility page on its website; specific accommodations for the event are not detailed but can be confirmed with the museum.
Note: The exhibition is made possible by Builder Sponsor Aaron and Cecile Goldman Family Foundation; Designer Sponsors Margie and Mickey Elsberg, The Falk Family in memory of Stanley L. Falk, Alfred Munzer and Joel Wind; and Planner Sponsors Ricki Gerger, Wilma Probst‑Levy, and a contribution in honor of Russell Smith. Major support is from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. The museum also offers related programs throughout summer and fall, including a June 11 “Commemorating History: Then and Now” program, an author talk on July 16, a Family Day on July 5, and Crafty Nights on August 6.