Esther Bubley: Photographing the Homefront

Esther Bubley: Photographing the World War II Homefront is a special exhibition at the Capital Jewish Museum that immerses visitors in 1940s Washington through the powerful black-and-white photography of Esther Bubley (1921–1998), the daughter of Jewish immigrants who worked as a documentary photographer for the Office of War Information during World War II. Her evocative images capture daily life in the capital: Wilson (now Jackson-Reed) High School students, uniformed soldiers visiting Loew’s Theater and Glen Echo amusement park, and the atmosphere at Dissin’s Jewish boarding house, where Bubley’s sister lived. The exhibition pairs these photographs with artifacts from the Museum’s collection to illustrate the city’s transformation as it welcomed thousands of new residents at a pivotal moment in American history.

When: October 22, 2026; a members-only first look is offered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with registration coming soon.

Showtimes: The exhibition is open during regular museum hours; specific times are not listed in the source.

Tickets: Tickets are coming soon; price is not yet available.

Venue: Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC, Third Floor.

Accessibility: The museum provides accessibility services; visitors should consult the museum’s Plan Your Visit page for details.

Sponsorship: This exhibition is made possible in part by Richard Small Alper, Diane Lipton Dennis, Sue Ducat, Eli and Judith Lippman Family Foundation, and the Stieber Family (as of July 9, 2026). Major support is provided by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Note: Membership benefits include unlimited free admission, a shop discount, and additional perks; membership information is available on the museum’s website.