America250 at the Capital Jewish Museum
The Capital Jewish Museum is presenting a special exhibition titled *America250*, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue, which is now part of the museum. The exhibition explores the deep connections between American Jewish life and the nation’s founding ideals, highlighting Jewish contributions to American history and the synagogue’s own story of patriotism and community. It features a permanent exhibition on the building’s 150-year history, foundational artifacts such as the Mordecai Bible, and exhibition cases showcasing Jewish engagement in patriotic celebrations with snapshots from 1876, 1926, and 1976. Self-guided walking tours of Jewish DC (updated from a 1976 version) are available, and visitors can contribute to a time capsule with reflections on contemporary Jewish life, set to be opened in 2076. The museum also plans programming throughout the summer and fall exploring the milestones and the relationship between American Jewish life and the Declaration of Independence.
When: Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The exhibition is expected to be on view throughout the year; June 9 marks the specific date listed as the event start (and end) date.
Tickets: Included with general admission to the Capital Jewish Museum. Reserve tickets in advance via the museum’s website.
Location: Capital Jewish Museum, with the exhibition likely occupying the First Floor and/or Second Floor (as indicated on the museum’s navigation). The historic synagogue building is part of the museum complex.
Exhibition Highlights: Permanent exhibition on the synagogue’s 150-year history, including community advocacy for its preservation. Foundational artifacts like the Mordecai Bible. Display cases highlighting Jewish patriotic celebrations in 1876, 1926, and 1976. Self-guided walking tours of Jewish DC. Community time capsule project.
Related Programs (through summer/fall 2026): “Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Historic Synagogue” on Wednesday, June 10, 6–8pm. “Author Talk with Michael Auslin: The Hidden Jewish History of the Declaration of Independence” on Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:30–7:30pm. “Family Day: Building the Next 150 Years” on Sunday, July 5, 2026, 11am–3pm. “Crafty Nights at CJM” on Thursday, August 6, 2026, 5–7pm.
Run time: The exhibition is ongoing; no specific run time is given. Plan for at least an hour to view the exhibition and participate in self-guided tours.
Ages: All ages are welcome; family programming is offered separately on July 5.
Accessibility: The museum provides accessibility information on its website and follows standard accessibility practices. Contact the museum for specific accommodations.
Venue: Capital Jewish Museum, located in Washington, DC. The museum also has security procedures; visitors are advised to review them before visiting.
Sponsorship: This special exhibition is made possible by the Aaron and Cecile Goldman Family Foundation (Builder Sponsor), Margie and Mickey Elsberg (Designer Sponsor), The Falk Family in memory of Stanley L. Falk, Alfred Munzer and Joel Wind (Designer Sponsors), Ricki Gerger (Planner Sponsor), Wilma Probst-Levy (Planner Sponsor), and a contribution in honor of Russell Smith. Major support is provided by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
Note: The exhibition is part of a broader year-long commemoration at the museum, which also marks the 150th anniversary of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue. The raw page text strongly suggests this exhibition is the same as the America250 event, though the event name “America250” is explicitly used only in the structured data.